Nawaf Salam denounces 'speculations' and intends to form a government that 'meets expectations'

Designated Prime Minister Nawaf Salam on Tuesday denounced the “rumors and speculations” surrounding the formation of his government, specifying that he is continuing his consultations “to form a Cabinet that meets the expectations of the Lebanese people.”

“Everything being said is unfounded, a fabric of rumors and speculations, some of which aim to sow confusion. There are no definite names or portfolios. As for the date of the government's announcement, I am working tirelessly to finalize it,” Salam wrote on the platform X.

Appointed on Jan. 13 to form the new ministerial team, he took office a few days after the election of General Joseph Aoun to the Lebanese presidency on Jan. 9, ending more than two years of vacancy at the head of the Lebanese state.

“I am continuing my consultations to form a government that meets the expectations of the Lebanese people, which responds to the urgency of necessary reforms,” Salam assured. “I will not deviate from the criteria and principles I have previously announced.”

The designated Prime Minister’s messages come as the government formation process seems to be stalling, notably due to the pressures exerted by the Amal-Hezbollah tandem to obtain certain key ministries. For several days, the duo has claimed that the Speaker of Parliament, Nabih Berri, has managed to impose his line on Salam, particularly concerning the appointment of Yassine Jaber as finance minister.

On the other hand, other protagonists, particularly Christians and Sunnis, advocate for unified criteria of representation within the future government team.

Sunni MP Walid Baarini, a member of the National Moderation bloc composed mainly of former pro-Hariri MPs, strongly criticized the “marginalization” of his parliamentary group in negotiations for the formation of the future government. “We have remained silent for days and given the designated president a chance to complete his consultations. But giving those who shook their sticks, moved their motorcycles, and used intimidation methods more than they are entitled to, and ignoring us as representatives of Akkar, Tripoli, Miniyeh, Dennieh and North Lebanon, is crossing all red lines,” he wrote on X.