The Lebanese Forces (LF) led by Samir Geagea reacted strongly on Tuesday to an article in the Arabic-language daily Al-Akhbar, which is close to Hezbollah, accusing them of negotiating their participation in Nawaf Salam's government based on their desire to break their political rival, the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM, Aounist), an ally of the Shiite party, led by Gebran Bassil, son-in-law of former President Michel Aoun.

“Contrary to a publication by Al-Akhbar today stating that the Lebanese Forces are negotiating with the priority of breaking the FPM by demanding the Energy portfolio, this news is false, as the LF has never demanded the Energy Ministry,” the Maronite party's statement emphasized. “They are also not negotiating with the aim of breaking or drowning anyone, but with a focus on national interest and building a state overthrown 34 years ago, based solely on the rules of the Constitution, law and equality.”

The newspaper article discussing the government's formation asserted that the dispute between political parties and Christian adversaries, the LF and FPM, constitutes “a difficulty” for designated Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. “The LF is negotiating with Nawaf Salam with the priority of breaking MP Gebran Bassil. They have claimed the Energy portfolio, then that of Foreign Affairs, while Mr. Bassil, who met with the Prime Minister in recent days, requested to keep Energy. Yet the latter [Nawaf Salam] refused, without denying his intention to give it to the LF,” the Al-Akhbar article states.

General Joseph Aoun, commander in chief of the Lebanese Army, was elected president of the Lebanese Republic on Jan. 9, 2025. After two days of mandatory parliamentary consultations, he appointed Salam on Jan. 13 to form the next government.