Lebanon’s new government led by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has received a confidence vote from 95 lawmakers. Salam’s administration aims for economic reforms and plans to negotiate with the IMF. The government’s policy avoids legitimizing Hezbollah’s military role, reflecting a new political dynamic. Lebanon faces significant economic challenges after years of crisis, highlighting the need for urgent reforms and reconstruction efforts.
Lebanon’s new government, led by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, has successfully passed a confidence vote in the 128-seat parliament. Gaining support from 95 lawmakers, Salam emphasized the need for economic reforms and plans to negotiate with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to alleviate the nation’s financial crisis.
The government statement notably lacks previous terms that legitimized Hezbollah’s military role. Salam expressed a desire for a state with exclusive authority over military decisions, emphasizing loyalty to the constitution and national agreements.
Hezbollah publicly supported Salam’s administration through Mohammed Raad, signaling a potential shift in Lebanese politics, especially post-Hezbollah’s defeat in the last conflict with Israel. Al Jazeera’s Zeina Khodr indicated that the new government comprises political outsiders, highlighting a departure from the parties blamed for the country’s economic downturn.
Amid challenges such as the ongoing economic crisis since 2019, reconstruction needs, and the financial sector’s collapse, the government is expected to prioritize depositors’ needs and address reconstruction. The IMF had previously reached a draft funding agreement with Lebanon, contingent upon the implementation of required reforms that have yet to materialize.
Lebanon’s new government is marked by a significant political shift, as it seeks to implement reforms and negotiate with the IMF to address a dire economic situation. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s administration, supported by a diverse coalition, diverges from Hezbollah’s traditional role in governance. The government’s upcoming challenges include financial recovery and reconstruction, paving the way for a potential post-Hezbollah landscape in Lebanon.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
