Lebanon's presidency announced on Saturday the formation of a new 24-member government led by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, marking the country's first full-fledged government since 2022. The announcement follows weeks of intensive consultations and comes amid shifting political dynamics after Hezbollah was weakened by a devastating war with Israel. In a statement, President Joseph Aoun confirmed that he had accepted the resignation of outgoing caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati's government and signed a decree with Salam to establish the new cabinet. The 24 ministers in Salam's government are evenly split between Christian and Muslim sects, in accordance with Lebanon's sectarian power-sharing system. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam expressed hope that his government would be one of "reform and rescue," emphasizing that reform is the only path forward to ensure security and stability in Lebanon. He stressed the importance of fully implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701. Salam further stated that the new government aims to restore confidence and reconnect the state with the aspirations of Lebanese youth. He underscored the necessity of completing the implementation of the Taif Agreement, advancing financial and economic reforms, and establishing an independent judiciary. The formation of the government comes at a critical time for Lebanon, which is working to rebuild its battered southern region and maintain security along its border with Israel after a destructive war between Hezbollah and Israel. A U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal ended the conflict in November. Lebanon remains in the grip of a severe economic crisis now in its sixth year, which has decimated the country's banking system, crippled its state electricity sector, and left much of the population in poverty, with many unable to access their savings. Salam, a diplomat and former president of the International Court of Justice, has pledged to implement judicial and economic reforms while ensuring stability in a country long plagued by political, financial, and security crises. In early January, Lebanon ended its presidential vacuum by electing former army chief Joseph Aoun as president, a candidate not backed by Hezbollah or its key allies. Aoun has echoed Salam's reformist rhetoric, vowing to consolidate state authority, particularly in controlling arms, in what appeared to be an indirect reference to Hezbollah's weapons. — Agencies
