President Joseph Aoun receives the designated Prime Minister, Nawaf Salam, in Baabda, on Jan 14, 2025. (Credit: Press office of the president)
In his inaugural address, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun laid out an ambitious vision for his term, outlining a comprehensive "idyllic" agenda that touched on the country’s most pressing and sensitive issues — setting high expectations for his leadership. This agenda was echoed by Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam in his first speech, signaling alignment with the aspirations of a majority of Lebanese citizens.However, significant challenges loom for the president and prime minister-designate, especially if Salam manages to form a government and secure parliamentary confidence. Chief among these challenges is the implementation of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 to ensure the permanence of the fragile cease-fire established on Nov. 27 and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon — a demand strongly championed by...
In his inaugural address, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun laid out an ambitious vision for his term, outlining a comprehensive "idyllic" agenda that touched on the country’s most pressing and sensitive issues — setting high expectations for his leadership. This agenda was echoed by Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam in his first speech, signaling alignment with the aspirations of a majority of Lebanese citizens.However, significant challenges loom for the president and prime minister-designate, especially if Salam manages to form a government and secure parliamentary confidence. Chief among these challenges is the implementation of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 to ensure the permanence of the fragile cease-fire established on Nov. 27 and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon — a demand strongly championed...