Lebanon’s New PM Nawaf Salam Pledges to Rebuild his Shattered Nation
January 14, 2025
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Lebanon’s new prime minister vowed on Tuesday to rebuild his nation after the destruction caused by the war with Israel.
Nawaf Salam was nominated for prime minister after a meeting with newly elected President Joseph Aoun.
Why It Matters
Lebanon has been grappling with multiple crises, including a devastating economic collapse and the destruction caused by prolonged conflict with Israel.
The nomination of Salam and confirmation of Aoun means that Lebanon, which has been run by a caretaker administration, now has a new government in waiting for the first time in two years.
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. 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. Hassan Ammar/AP
What To Know
Salam, who currently heads the International Court of Justice, pledged to avoid marginalizing any political faction, indirectly referencing Hezbollah.
In past years the group opposed his appointment as prime minister and this year indicated its preference for another candidate.
The militant group, weakened by the 14-month war with Israel, has put aside its objections to Salam’s appointment.
How Badly Damaged Is Lebanon?
The conflict left 4,000 dead and caused massive infrastructural damage, while Lebanon’s financial crisis has eroded public services and institutions.
Banks are barely functional, and electricity is mostly supplied by private diesel generators.
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic further battered the economy, and the Beirut port explosion, one of the largest nonnuclear blasts ever recorded, badly damaged several neighborhoods in the heart of the capital.
What Has Salam Pledged?
Salam has committed to implementing the U.N. Security Council resolution regarding Israel and Hezbollah, emphasizing that Israel should withdraw its troops from southern Lebanon and that Hezbollah should avoid an armed presence near the border.
Salam said he aims to build a “modern economy” and implement reforms to unlock international aid and investments that have been withheld.
The reforms could lead to the release of billions of dollars of investments and loans by foreign donors.
What People Are Saying
Nawaf Salam said: “The time has come to say, enough. Now is the time to start a new chapter.” He added “Both my hands are extended to all of you so that we all move forward in the mission of salvation, reforms, and reconstruction.”
What Happens Next
Salam faces the immediate challenge of forming a government capable of addressing Lebanon’s overlapping crises.
His proposed reforms and reconstruction plans must gain support from the deeply divided Parliament.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
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