Nawaf Salam, a distinguished diplomat and jurist currently serving as the head of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), has been nominated as Lebanon’s new prime minister following a parliamentary vote on Monday. Salam’s nomination, backed by Western-aligned groups and independents in Lebanon’s parliament, comes amidst hopes for a new chapter of recovery and stability in the crisis-hit nation.
A new leadership amid tensions
The decision to appoint Salam, supported by Western countries and Saudi Arabia, has sparked a wave of optimism. However, it has also drawn sharp criticism from Hezbollah and its allies, who abstained from naming any candidate for the premiership. In recent years, Hezbollah has repeatedly opposed Salam’s ascension to the role, portraying him as a candidate with strong U.S. backing.
Salam’s appointment follows the recent election of army commander General Joseph Aoun as Lebanon’s president, ending a 26-month leadership vacuum. The combined leadership change has fuelled hopes for political and economic reform, as well as the release of billions of dollars in foreign aid and investment to aid Lebanon’s reconstruction efforts.
Challenges ahead
Salam’s tenure as prime minister-designate begins against the backdrop of immense challenges. Lebanon remains in the throes of a five-year economic meltdown, marked by a collapsed banking sector that has wiped out the savings of thousands of citizens. Additionally, the aftermath of the 14-month war between Israel and Hezbollah—which ended in late November under a U.S.-brokered truce—has left the nation grappling with widespread destruction and weakened infrastructure.
Salam faces the daunting task of navigating these crises while addressing the demands of both domestic and international stakeholders. Rebuilding Lebanon’s shattered economy and implementing critical reforms will require a delicate balance of diplomacy and decisive action.
Divided reactions
While Salam’s nomination has been met with celebrations in parts of Beirut, with fireworks lighting up the night sky, the reaction from Hezbollah has been less enthusiastic. Mohammed Raad, head of Hezbollah’s parliamentary bloc, expressed disappointment over Salam’s selection.
“We extended our hand last week by electing Aoun, hoping for a reciprocal gesture. Instead, this hand was cut off,” Raad said, referencing Hezbollah’s uneasy acceptance of Aoun as president. Raad also highlighted Hezbollah’s ongoing demands, including the release of prisoners, the withdrawal of occupiers, and adherence to the UN Security Council resolution that ended the Israel-Hezbollah war.
Salam’s credentials
At 71, Nawaf Salam brings an impressive academic and professional résumé to his new role. A member of a prominent Sunni Muslim family from Beirut, Salam is the nephew of Saeb Salam, a key figure in Lebanon’s independence movement who served multiple terms as prime minister. Salam’s cousin, Tammam Salam, also held the premiership between 2014 and 2016.
Nawaf Salam holds a doctorate in political science from Sciences Po in France, a doctorate in history from the Sorbonne, and a Master of Laws degree from Harvard Law School. Over the years, he has lectured at institutions including the American University of Beirut and served as Lebanon’s ambassador to the United Nations from 2007 to 2017. In 2018, he was elected as a judge on the ICJ, and last year, he became its president—the first Lebanese citizen to hold the prestigious post.
Path to a new government
Salam’s next steps involve forming a new Cabinet, a process expected to be fraught with political manoeuvring given Lebanon’s deeply divided parliament. Shortly after his nomination, Salam received a congratulatory call from outgoing Prime Minister Najib Mikati, who wished him success in the challenging role ahead.
The president’s director-general, Antoine Shoukeir, confirmed that Salam was expected to return to Lebanon imminently for consultations with President Aoun and Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri. The meeting, scheduled to take place at the presidential palace in Baabda, will mark the beginning of Salam’s efforts to assemble a government capable of addressing Lebanon’s pressing issues.
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International implications
The appointment of Nawaf Salam, alongside the election of Joseph Aoun, is widely viewed as a potential turning point for Lebanon. Both leaders are seen as being outside the entrenched political class accused of decades of corruption and mismanagement, which culminated in the country’s economic collapse in 2019.
The international community, including Western nations and Gulf Arab states, has long tied financial aid to Lebanon’s willingness to implement reforms and curb corruption. Salam’s leadership is expected to play a critical role in unlocking these much-needed funds, giving hope to a nation desperate for stability and renewal.
For now, Salam’s focus will be on assembling a Cabinet that can address Lebanon’s economic, political, and social challenges. As celebrations continue in the streets of Beirut, many Lebanese are pinning their hopes on Salam to guide the country towards a brighter future.
