Prime Minister Nawaf Salam speaking in Parliament shortly before the vote of confidence on Feb. 26, 2025. (Credit: Hassan Ibrahim/Lebanese Parliament)
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s government passed its first parliamentary hurdle. After a lengthy debate in Parliament at Nijmeh Square, it secured a solid majority of 95 votes of confidence on Wednesday.The result aligns with the new political momentum that has swept the country since the election of President Joseph Aoun on Jan. 9 and the appointment of Salam as prime minister shortly thereafter.As expected, the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) — with 11 of its 13 MPs present — denied the Cabinet its confidence, as did independent MP Cynthia Zarazir, who distanced herself from the opposition camp, stating she was “waiting for actions.”Meanwhile, four MPs chose to abstain.With this mandate secured, Salam can now officially embark on his mission of “reform and rescue” until the parliamentary elections scheduled for May 2026. Read more...
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s government passed its first parliamentary hurdle. After a lengthy debate in Parliament at Nijmeh Square, it secured a solid majority of 95 votes of confidence on Wednesday.The result aligns with the new political momentum that has swept the country since the election of President Joseph Aoun on Jan. 9 and the appointment of Salam as prime minister shortly thereafter.As expected, the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) — with 11 of its 13 MPs present — denied the Cabinet its confidence, as did independent MP Cynthia Zarazir, who distanced herself from the opposition camp, stating she was “waiting for actions.”Meanwhile, four MPs chose to abstain.With this mandate secured, Salam can now officially embark on his mission of “reform and rescue” until the parliamentary elections scheduled for May 2026. ...