Beirut declares formation of new government, headed by Nawaf Salam
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The Lebanese Presidency announces the decree of the formation of the government, made up of 24 ministers, and headed by PM Nawaf Salam.
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Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam speaks to journalists after his meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the presidential palace in Baabda, east of Beirut, Lebanon, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025 (AP)
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun signed a decree approving the formation of the 24-minister government, after accepting the resignation of former Prime Minister Najib Mikati's government, the presidential office announced on Saturday.
Consequently, the Secretary-General for the Council of Ministers, Mahmoud Makkieh, announced the formation, which came as follows:
Yassine Jaber has been named the Finance Minister, Youssef Raji as the Foreign Minister, Ahmad al-Hajjar as the Minister of Interior, and Michel Mansa as the Defense Minister.
Moreover, Adel Nassar has been named the Minister of Justice, Mohammad Haidar as the Labor Minister, Joe Sadi as the Energy Minister, Fayez Rasamny as the Minister of Public Works, and Paul Marqas as the Minister of Information.
Tarek Metri has been appointed as deputy prime minister.
Government committed to reconstructing the south
Following the announcement, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam emphasized in a speech that reconstruction in southern Lebanon is not just a promise but "a commitment."
Salam affirmed that reform is the only path to saving the country, announcing plans to move forward with financial and economic reforms and the establishment of an independent judiciary.
"The government will not be a platform for disputes but for constructive work," he added, expressing great hope for cooperation with the president to "launch the new Lebanon project."
Meanwhile, Al Mayadeen's correspondent reported that Hezbollah and the Amal Movement secured five ministerial portfolios in the government, which also includes five women, while the Free Patriotic Movement chose not to participate.
US won't be able to prevent Hezbollah from taking part in gov.: Excl.
Israeli media reported that "despite Western pressure, the Lebanese government will include Hezbollah and the Amal Movement."
In this context, the Deputy Head of Hezbollah's Political Council, Mahmoud Qomati, asserted that US policy "will not be able to impose its agenda on the region or prevent Hezbollah from participating in the government."
Speaking to Al Mayadeen, Qomati stressed that there is clear Lebanese consensus on the government’s composition, particularly regarding the inclusion of non-partisan figures.
"We are facing a new dictatorship to rule the world, represented by US President Donald Trump,” he added.
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