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GOVERNMENT FORMATION

Nawaf Salam’s mission to form a cabinet becomes more complicated

The potential appointment of Yassin Jaber to the Finance Ministry sparked considerable controversy, as calls for “unified criteria” continue to grow.

Nawaf Salam’s mission to form a cabinet becomes more complicated

Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam at Baabda Palace on Jan. 14, 2025. (Credit: Mohammad Yassine/L'Orient-Le Jour)

Once again, the most optimistic observers risk having their hopes dashed. The very first government of President Joseph Aoun’s term appears likely to be delayed. The latest twists in this ongoing saga make that clear.While everything seemed to point to an imminent announcement of the new ministerial team, the situation has become more complicated. Why? Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam has yet to reach an agreement with key stakeholders on the composition of his cabinet — most notably regarding the Finance Ministry.There have been many media reports Monday night that Salam agreed to appoint Yassin Jaber, a former Amal-affiliated MP from Nabatieh, as head of the key Finance Ministry.The announcement caused an uproar among opposition and protest circles, who view it as a victory for the Amal Movement-Hezbollah alliance over Aoun and...
Once again, the most optimistic observers risk having their hopes dashed. The very first government of President Joseph Aoun’s term appears likely to be delayed. The latest twists in this ongoing saga make that clear.While everything seemed to point to an imminent announcement of the new ministerial team, the situation has become more complicated. Why? Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam has yet to reach an agreement with key stakeholders on the composition of his cabinet — most notably regarding the Finance Ministry.There have been many media reports Monday night that Salam agreed to appoint Yassin Jaber, a former Amal-affiliated MP from Nabatieh, as head of the key Finance Ministry.The announcement caused an uproar among opposition and protest circles, who view it as a victory for the Amal Movement-Hezbollah alliance over Aoun...