Lebanon government named after two-year caretaker cabinet

TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Lebanon's presidency announced on Saturday the formation of a new government, ending a prolonged period of political paralysis that had left the country under the leadership of an interim cabinet for over two years.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), the presidency confirmed that President Joseph Aoun had signed a decree to form a new government consisting of 24 ministers. The announcement was accompanied by two other key decrees: the resignation of the caretaker government led by Prime Minister Najib Mikati and the official appointment of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam to lead the new cabinet.

The political impasse had persisted for more than two years, but the recent weakening of the armed group Hezbollah due to its involvement in the war with Israel opened the door for Aoun's election as president and the approval of Salam as prime minister.

The newly-formed government is faced with significant challenges, including the urgent need to implement vital reforms that are essential to unlocking billions of dollars in financial aid from international donors. This comes after years of economic collapse and political instability. The government will also have to navigate the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, as well as the daunting task of rebuilding Lebanon, which has been severely impacted by the ongoing conflict.

In addition, the government will be responsible for reviewing crucial agreements, such as those with the International Monetary Fund, and preparing for the upcoming parliamentary elections, which are scheduled for next year.

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, in his first televised statement after the announcement of his cabinet, expressed hope that the new government would be a "government of reform and salvation." He emphasized the importance of rebuilding trust with Lebanon's citizens, neighboring Arab countries, and the international community in the aftermath of the devastating Israel-Hezbollah war. "I hope this will be a government of reform and salvation," Salam said, pledging to restore confidence between the state and its people, as well as with Lebanon’s regional and global partners.