Salam: Government formation progresses according to criteria and reformist trajectory

Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam stated Monday that the government formation is "progressing" according to the criteria he established and within the framework of the "reformist and rescue" trajectory he promised, according to the state-run National News Agency (NNA).

"The government formation is progressing positively, following the promised reformist and rescue trajectory, in consultation with President Joseph Aoun and according to the already defined criteria," Salam said.

Last week, speaking from Baabda, Salam said that he would not backtrack on any of the criteria he set from his designation for forming his cabinet.

"A government based on the principle of separation between Parliament and government, founded on high national expertise, where there are no candidates for municipal or parliamentary elections, and in which parties will not be represented," he stated.

On Monday, Salam also stressed that "any allusion to ministerial names being imposed on him is completely unfounded." He also said that insinuations suggesting a disagreement between him and certain forces or parties "are incorrect, as positive communication is maintained with all concerned parties."

The media report progress in the government formation which could be ready very soon. Progress has been made despite a series of criticisms, particularly on social media, concerning information leaked about the names and composition of Salam's team. Among the demands is that of the Shiite duo to keep control of the Finance Ministry, heavily criticized by anti-Hezbollah parties.

After more than two years of vacancy at the head of the Lebanese state, Aoun was elected president on Jan. 9, and a few days later, on Jan. 13, Nawaf Salam was chosen to form the new government. The accession of these two men to power raised hopes of renewal among many Lebanese after Hezbollah emerged significantly weakened from its war against Israel.