Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun has summoned international court judge Nawaf Salam to designate him as prime minister, securing the backing of 84 lawmakers. This choice marks a significant shift in the power balance among sectarian factions and has angered Hezbollah, which accused opponents of seeking to exclude it.
The decision underscores the major changes in Lebanon’s political landscape since the Iran-backed Shi’ite Muslim group Hezbollah was weakened by a war with Israel last year and its Syrian ally Bashar al-Assad was toppled. Salam won backing from Christian and Druze factions, as well as prominent Sunni Muslim MPs, including those who have long demanded Hezbollah give up its powerful arsenal.
However, lawmakers from Hezbollah and its Shi’ite ally the Amal Movement did not name anybody, indicating they do not intend to participate in Salam’s government. Senior Hezbollah lawmaker Mohammed Raad said the group would act calmly and wisely “out of concern for the national interest” but warned that any government at odds with coexistence has no legitimacy.
The designation of Salam as prime minister is a step towards reviving Lebanese government institutions, which have been paralyzed for over two years. The new administration faces significant challenges, including rebuilding areas levelled by Israeli airstrikes and launching long-stalled reforms to revive the economy and address the root causes of Lebanon’s financial collapse in 2019.
The choice of Salam also signals a shift in Saudi influence, as President Aoun enjoys support from the United States and Saudi Arabia. The new government must navigate complex sectarian dynamics and international pressures while addressing pressing domestic issues.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/lebanon-name-prime-minister-new-phase-begins-2025-01-13