Nawaf Salam

The Pressing Challenges and Deadlines Facing Salam’s Government

Nawaf Salam’s cabinet is one of the fastest-formed governments in the past three decades. Just 26 days after Salam was tasked with forming a government—based on the criteria he set, chiefly excluding partisan ministers—and following his agreement with President Joseph Aoun, he successfully formed his cabinet, which includes competent ...

The End of Iranian Hegemony and the Chances of Normalization

Undoubtedly, the progressive dismantling of Iran‘s proxies raises the issue of normalization in the Near East at a time when the questions of civil concord, democratic political culture, and reformist elites are still controversial and have failed to inspire massive commitments within the respective civil societies, however elaborate and ...

Saint Maroun's Day: Rai Once Again Advocates Neutrality as a Lifeline for Lebanon

While celebrating Saint Maroun's day at Saint George's Cathedral in downtown Beirut, Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rai castigated politicians, “Stop procrastinating. Stop undermining the judiciary. Stop contravening the Constitution.” Rai insisted that the danger threatening Lebanon is that of sinking into the axis of decadence. “Lebanon must ...

Who Are the Ministers in Nawaf Salam's Government?

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announced the composition of his government on Saturday from the Baabda Palace. Who are the new ministers? Vice President of the Government: Tarek Mitri Tarek Mitri, former minister and one of the architects of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, was part of four governments between 2005 and 2011, holding the ...

Government: Salam and the Lebanese Forces Get the Lion’s Share

The first government of President Joseph Aoun’s mandate reflects the shifting political balance in Lebanon after the war between Hezbollah and Israel, the collapse of the Syrian regime and Western — particularly American — and Arab (especially Saudi) efforts to help Lebanon engage on the path of building a state. Notably, Hezbollah and its ...

J. Aoun Expresses Satisfaction Over New Government Formation

President Joseph Aoun expressed satisfaction over the new government formation, congratulating its president, Nawaf Salam, and the ministers. He wished them success in their new roles. According to the National News Agency, the president emphasized that the government, dubbed the "Government of Reform and Rescue," was formed in accordance with ...

Lebanon's New Government Formed Under the Banner of Reform and Implementation of Resolution 1701

The first government under President Joseph Aoun was announced on Saturday from the presidential palace in Baabda, after the signature of decrees accepting the resignation of caretaker Prime minister Najib Mikati’s cabinet and instating the new 24-member council of ministers under Judge Nawaf Salam. Cabinet Secretary General Mahmoud ...

Government Formation Stalled Over Shiite Representation

The government formation appeared imminent on Thursday amid a flurry of visitors to Baabda’s Presidential Palace. Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam visited Baabda, where he met with President Joseph Aoun. Shortly after, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri joined them for a trilateral meeting. Meanwhile, government secretary-general Mahmoud ...

Government Formation: Berri Blocks Progress

The trilateral meeting between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam concluded this Thursday afternoon after an hour and a half of discussions. According to MTV, Berri's insistence on appointing a fifth Shiite minister hindered the government formation process. Diplomatic sources ...

Nawaf Salam Commits to Building a Reform Government Devoid of Internal Gridlock

Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam vowed on Wednesday to form a reformist government that will operate without internal gridlock, pledging transparency and unity as Lebanon faces pressing national challenges. Speaking at a press conference at Baabda Palace following his meeting with President General Joseph Aoun, Salam outlined his strategy for ...

To What Extent Does Nawaf Salam Adopt a Common Criteria?

A quick assessment of the current situation shows that among the majority of MPs who nominated Nawaf Salam to form the new government, only a few remain satisfied with the prime minister-designate’s performance. So far, Salam has managed to infuriate most of those who were on his side, while satisfying his opponents, particularly Amal and ...