Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea said Monday that the new government is one of “hope,” with its “primary mission being to restore the authority of the state.” He expressed satisfaction that, in his view, it is the first “genuine Cabinet formed in a long time,” according to posts on his X account.

His remarks followed a meeting with the ministers appointed by the Lebanese Forces in the new government — Joe Rajjeh (Foreign Affairs), Joe Saddi (Energy), Joe Issa al-Khoury (Industry), and Kamal Shehadeh (Displaced). Geagea said he had received all the “necessary guarantees” from Prime Minister Nawaf Salam that the Finance Ministry would not obstruct the government’s work.

The Finance Ministry, seen as a key power center due to its role in approving government decrees, was given to Yassin Jaber, an ally of the Amal-Hezbollah bloc, at the insistence of Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. Government decrees require the signatures of the president, the prime minister, and the relevant ministers. However, the Finance Ministry’s approval is often needed due to financial implications, effectively giving Shiite parties an additional veto power over executive decisions — something the Constitution and customary rules do not formally grant them.

Geagea’s statement came two days after his party secured a significant share of ministerial posts in Salam’s government, which was formed after more than three weeks of political negotiations. By contrast, the Kataeb Party received only the Justice Ministry, while the Marada Movement (an ally of Hezbollah) and the Free Patriotic Movement (a former Hezbollah ally) were both excluded, in what appeared to be an effort to curb Hezbollah’s influence in the executive branch.

“As a state, we must regain control of our northern and eastern borders,” Geagea said from his residence in Maarab. He added on X that “there is no place for weapons outside the state’s authority.”

He also pushed back against claims that the Lebanese army lacks personnel, calling them “mistaken.” His comments were a response to Hezbollah members and allies who argue that the military cannot fully secure the country’s borders, justifying the Shiite party’s role in Lebanon’s defense.

Geagea further stated that the government should “begin implementing the European and British plan” to install surveillance towers along the borders for security and to combat tax evasion, which he described as an “essential” part of government reforms.

Regarding the Ministry of Displaced, Geagea said its modernization is “imperative to address the reconstruction issue,” particularly in overseeing rebuilding efforts in South Lebanon and the Beqaa Valley after the war between Israel and Hezbollah.