Lebanon’s newly elected President Joseph Aoun has begun binding consultations with parliament members to designate the country’s next prime minister. Under Lebanon’s sectarian power-sharing system, a Sunni Muslim traditionally holds this position.
The leading candidates for the premiership are:
Najib Mikati: The current caretaker prime minister, Mikati previously formed three governments. He maintains strong relations with various political factions and international stakeholders. Iran-backed Hezbollah and its ally, the Amal Movement, support him.
Nawaf Salam: A respected judge, Salam serves as the presiding judge at the International Court of Justice in The Hague. Anti-Hezbollah legislators favour him for his commitment to reform and reducing Hezbollah’s influence in Lebanese politics.
President Aoun’s January 9, 2025 election ended a two-year presidential vacancy. This vacancy had left Lebanon under a caretaker government amid severe economic challenges and the aftermath of a devastating conflict between Hezbollah and Israel.
The new prime minister will face significant tasks, including implementing economic reforms to secure international aid, overseeing post-war reconstruction, and addressing Hezbollah’s disarmament as stipulated in the November 27 ceasefire agreement.
Parliament members expect to conclude the consultations by the end of the day. However, forming a new government may take weeks or even months due to Lebanon’s complex political landscape and the necessity for consensus among diverse factions.
