Nawaf Salam, the newly appointed Prime Minister of Lebanon as of January 13, announced his intention to form a technocratic government to avoid political bargaining over ministerial positions. Salam made this statement on Tuesday following a meeting with President Joseph Aoun at the Baabda Palace.
“The new cabinet will consist of 24 technocrat ministers unaligned with political parties or parliamentary blocs,” Salam told reporters. “I will make every effort to form a government as quickly as possible that meets the high expectations of the Lebanese people and earns the trust of the international community.”
Salam emphasized that the primary goals for the new cabinet include implementing reforms and fostering economic recovery. “Previous national unity governments resembled mini-parliaments and took months to form,” he noted. “I am opposed to the quota system and believe national partnership should be based on effective governance.”
Progress on Cabinet Formation
According to the news portal Naharnet, Salam’s cabinet lineup might be finalized by the end of this week. The critical issue of appointing a finance minister has reportedly been resolved, with Salam agreeing to nominate former Shiite MP Yassine Jaber for the role.
The Shiite movement Amal, led by Parliamentary Speaker Nabih Berri, is also reportedly seeking the posts of Minister of Industry and Minister of Environment, while Hezbollah is expected to receive the portfolios for Health and Labor.
Opposition Concerns
Members of the opposition and independent factions have expressed concerns over Salam’s perceived concessions to Shiite factions. These groups had threatened to boycott the new government if their demands were not met. Critics also raised objections to the possible inclusion of figures linked to the pro-Iranian Hezbollah in the cabinet lineup.
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Photo: WAEL HAMZEH/EPA/TASS
Based on TASS materials