Prime Minister Nawaf Salam reads a L'Orient-Le Jour newspaper. (Credit: Nabil Ismail)
A frank conversation with a sitting prime minister: a rare democratic feat in Lebanon.
On the occasion of the “Un vent de liberté” festival, an exclusive interview will take place with the former president of the International Court of Justice on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025.
Conducted by our editors-in-chief, Elie Fayad and Anthony Samrani, the discussion will be held at the Grand Serail, but registered participants will depart from the Beirut Hippodrome at 6:45 p.m. and be transported back afterward.
Salam, a former diplomat, jurist and academic, also served as President of the Court from February 2024 to January 2025, before resigning to take the helm of the Lebanese government under the new presidential mandate of Joseph Aoun.
Expectations were high: for a significant part of the country, Salam symbolized reform and change after years of deadlock.
More than six months into his term, the record is more nuanced. His government has disappointed some Lebanese who hoped for faster and more visible results. Yet his firm stance on the Hezbollah arms issue — particularly since the early August announcement of a concrete timeline to “ensure the state’s monopoly on arms” — has also given him a new stature.
Disarmament, reforms, Israel, Syria… We will cover all these issues, with no complacency or taboos.
The conversation will be held in French. Admission is free, subject to availability. Pre-registration is required here.
Find all practical information about the “Un vent de liberté” festival and explore the full program.
