The President of the International Court of Justice, Nawaf Salam, was tasked with forming the country's government by the President of Lebanon, Joseph Aoun. As prime minister, he will face challenges such as implementing economic reforms and rebuilding entire regions of Lebanon after the war between Israel and Hezbollah.
“The President of the Republic, Joseph Aoun, summoned Judge Nawaf Salam to entrust him with forming a government. He is currently abroad and his return to the country is expected tomorrow,” says the official statement on this matter, issued after the conclusion of parliamentary consultations. The candidacy of 71-year-old Salam was supported by the main political forces in the country Lebanon opposing the pro-Iranian Shiite movement Hezbollah, which has been significantly weakened in recent months in the war against Israel.
Nawaf Salam Remko de Waal/ANP/PAP/EPA
Change of government in Lebanon
Lebanon is currently ruled by an interim government led by outgoing Prime Minister Najib Mikati. Aoun has been president since January 9, whose election ended a two-year vacancy as head of state.
According to the system of power sharing between religious communities in Lebanon, the president of the Republic of Lebanon is a Maronite Christian, the prime minister is a Sunni Muslim, and the speaker of parliament is a Shiite Muslim.
According to the constitution, the president receives representatives of all parliamentary formations and, after completing consultations, appoints the candidate supported by the most deputies as prime minister.
Main photo source: Remko de Waal/ANP/PAP/EPA