Lebanon’s New Government Promises Reform Amid Economic and Political Challenges

On Saturday, Lebanon ushered in its first full-fledged government since 2022 when President Joseph Aoun accepted the resignation of the previous caretaker government and appointed Nawaf Salam as the new prime minister. In his address, Salam pledged to restore trust among the nation’s citizens and repair ties with neighboring Arab countries and the international community, underscoring reform as the key to saving the country from its deepening economic malaise.

The newly formed cabinet, comprising 24 ministers balanced equally between Christian and Muslim sects, was established less than a month after Salam’s appointment. This government emerges at a time when Lebanon is vigorously working to rebuild its battered southern region and maintain security along its borders, amid a sixth-year economic crisis that has devastated banks, the electricity sector, and the financial wellbeing of many citizens.

In addition to pledges for economic and institutional reform, Salam committed to enforcing a ceasefire agreement that ended the recent conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. He also vowed to oversee reconstruction efforts in war-torn regions and ensure that Lebanese territory remains free from occupying forces.

The formation of this government signals a gradual shift away from reliance on Hezbollah, despite ongoing negotiations with the group over allocation of Shiite Muslim seats in the cabinet as per Lebanon’s power-sharing framework. This move aligns with wider efforts to ease tensions with Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia, which have expressed concerns over Hezbollah’s expanding political and military clout over the past decade.

Also reflecting this new course, President Aoun, who was elected in early January, has expressed similar views by asserting the state’s exclusive right to carry weapons—a clear indication of his intent to limit Hezbollah’s influence in Lebanese affairs.