Lebanon forms first government since 2022
This handout picture released by the Lebanese presidency shows President Joseph Aoun (C) signing a decree at the presidential palace in Baabda, east of Beirut, Lebanon, Feb. 8, 2025. (AFP Photo)
Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam formed a new government on Saturday, marking the first administration since 2022. The move comes after two years of caretaker rule, largely due to political deadlock and the dominance of Hezbollah.
President Joseph Aoun announced the formation of the 24-member cabinet after accepting the resignation of former caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati. The newly-appointed Salam pledged to head a “government of reform and salvation,” aiming to restore trust with the international community following Lebanon’s economic collapse and a recent devastating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
Salam’s government faces major challenges, including overseeing the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, implementing reforms to unlock international aid, and rebuilding Lebanon’s economy.
The U.N., through its special coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, welcomed the government formation, seeing it as a sign of a new chapter for Lebanon.
Salam, a judge with the International Court of Justice, formed the government in under a month, a rare feat in a country where political negotiations usually take much longer. His cabinet includes five women and notable figures such as former U.N. envoy to Libya, Ghassan Salame.
Before the new government can assume full authority, it must submit a ministerial statement to parliament within 30 days and win a vote of confidence. The government must also review agreements with the International Monetary Fund and prepare for parliamentary elections next year.
