Lebanon’s government, led by Najib Salam, won a confidence vote in Parliament with 95 votes amid significant political changes post-Hezbollah’s reduced influence. The new government emphasizes exclusive state authority on war and peace decisions and aims to prioritize economic recovery through IMF negotiations while addressing depositors’ needs in an ongoing economic crisis.
On Wednesday, Lebanon’s Government, led by Prime Minister Najib Salam, secured a confidence vote in Parliament, receiving support from 95 of the 128 lawmakers. This shift comes after significant changes in Lebanon’s political dynamics following Hezbollah’s diminished role post the recent war with Israel.
The government’s policy statement notably omitted previous affirmations endorsing Hezbollah’s involvement in Lebanon’s defense. Salam emphasized the need for a state that maintains exclusive control over war and peace decisions, adhering strictly to constitutional and national agreements.
Hezbollah’s support for Salam’s government was articulated by senior lawmaker Mohammed Raad just prior to the vote. Salam also pledged to prioritize Lebanon’s economic recovery, aiming to remove the country from the grey list and initiate negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and purportedly to address the needs of depositors.
Lebanon has been grappling with an economic crisis since 2019, culminating in a financial system meltdown that triggered a sovereign default in 2020. Many ordinary depositors have been unable to access their savings, significantly impacting households across the nation.
The formation of the new government on February 8 was influenced by direct intervention from the United States, aiming to ensure Lebanon can access international reconstruction funds following the Israel-Hezbollah conflict. A draft funding agreement with the IMF was established in 2022, contingent upon necessary reforms that have yet to be implemented.
Lebanon’s recent confidence vote signals a crucial shift in its political landscape with Prime Minister Salam’s government committed to economic recovery and institutional reforms. The omission of Hezbollah’s legitimization indicates a potential tightening of governmental control over defense matters. Additionally, the active pursuit of IMF negotiations reflects the urgent need to address the economic crisis stemming from years of systemic mismanagement. It remains to be seen whether this government can fulfill its promises amid the profound challenges Lebanon faces as it endeavors to stabilize and rebuild its economy.
Original Source: ifpnews.com
