Lebanon Forms New Government Amid Economic Crisis and Regional Tensions
President Joseph Aoun has announced the resignation of Lebanon’s former caretaker government, paving the way for Prime Minister Nawaf Salam to form a new cabinet. This marks the country’s first full-fledged government since 2022, following a period of political deadlock that spanned over three weeks.
The formation of this new cabinet comes as Lebanon grapples with an ongoing economic crisis and regional tensions. The country is working towards rebuilding its devastated southern region in the aftermath of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. Notably, Salam has formed a 24-member cabinet within less than a month of assuming office, including five women ministers.
In Lebanon, government posts are allocated based on sectarian affiliations, with the president being a Maronite Christian, the prime minister a Sunni Muslim, and the speaker of parliament a Shiite Muslim. The new cabinet’s formation follows months of political impasse, particularly concerning the selection of Shiite ministers traditionally chosen by Hezbollah and its ally, the Amal party.
The breakthrough in government formation comes amid international pressure. US Deputy Middle East envoy Morgan Ortagus recently visited Lebanon, insisting that Hezbollah be excluded from the new cabinet. Her visit sparked criticism due to photos circulating on social media showing her wearing a Star of David ring.
Lebanon’s economic crisis, which began in 2019, has been exacerbated by several factors including the devastating Beirut port blast in 2020 and civil unrest over government corruption allegations. The Covid-19 pandemic has further compounded these challenges. The new cabinet faces a daunting task of addressing these issues to revitalize Lebanon’s crippled economy.
In October 2023, Hezbollah joined the government, raising concerns about its growing influence in Lebanese politics. The new cabinet will need to navigate this complex political landscape while tackling urgent economic reforms and ensuring stability amidst regional tensions.