Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun has announced the formation of a new government after more than two years of an interim cabinet amid ongoing political wrangling and economic collapse. The new 24-member cabinet, led by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, is charged with drafting a policy statement outlining its approach and priorities.
Salam promised to reform Lebanon’s judiciary, implement economic reforms, and bring about stability. He also vowed to implement UN resolution 1701, which calls for the withdrawal of non-state armed actors from the area south of the Litani River.
The new government marks a shift away from leaders close to Hezbollah, as Beirut hopes to access reconstruction funds and investments after last year’s devastating war with Israel and to recover from an economic crisis since 2019. The US Embassy welcomed the announcement, hoping it would lead to reforms and rebuilding of state institutions.
Salam was not endorsed by Hezbollah, but the group engaged in negotiations over Shia Muslim seats in government. The new cabinet must now gain a vote of confidence from parliament to be fully empowered.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/2/8/lebanon-names-new-government-after-two-year-caretaker-cabinet