Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has formed a new government, concluding more than two years of caretaker leadership. The cabinet includes notable figures such as Yassine Jaber, Tamara Elzein, and Ghassan Salame, among others, reflecting a commitment to secular governance and expertise in tackling Lebanon’s economic challenges. The government aims to overcome corruption while seeking international support for reconstruction efforts.
Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announced the formation of a new government on Saturday after extensive political discussions about the appointment of 24 ministers, concluding a prolonged period of over two and a half years marked by caretaker administration. Salam has pledged to refrain from appointing members from established political parties, frequently associated with sectarianism and notorious for corruption, yet, due to Lebanon’s sectarian power-sharing system, ministerial selections involved political consultations.
Among the newly appointed ministers, Yassine Jaber, a former economy and transport minister closely aligned with the influential parliament speaker Nabih Berri, was notable. Despite critiques of his selection, which some view as beneficial to Berri’s influence, Jaber’s experience will be vital as Lebanon seeks funding for recovery following years of economic distress exacerbated by the recent Israel-Hezbollah conflict.
Tamara Elzein, who has been secretary-general of Lebanon’s National Council for Scientific Research since 2022, also joins the cabinet. With a doctorate in physical chemistry from France and her role as vice president of the Lebanese National Commission for UNESCO, her expertise marks a significant addition to the government.
Ghassan Salame, an established academic, politician, and former UN envoy to Libya, brings considerable international experience to the new administration. Economists like Haneen Sayed, who has advised the World Bank on Lebanon’s economic challenges, and Joe Saddi, a seasoned consultant with an MBA from Cornell and extensive experience in energy and policy advisement, also join the ranks.
Kamal Shehadi, appointed as minister for displaced persons and state minister for technology and artificial intelligence, faces the critical situation of overcoming Lebanon’s frequent electricity shortages. His technological background and education from Columbia and Harvard universities position him to tackle these pressing issues effectively.
The recent formation of a governance body in Lebanon marks a significant transition from over two years of caretaker leadership, which followed an extended period of political instability and economic strife. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s government is distinguished by its commitment to avoiding traditional political party affiliations, often bound by sectarian divides, and the need for urgent action to rebuild the nation amid ongoing challenges stemming from internal and external pressures.
In summary, Lebanon’s new government embodies a strategic shift towards secular governance, aspiring to address longstanding issues of corruption and inefficiency associated with sectarian political structures. The appointments of individuals with profound expertise and significant experience suggest a focused approach to navigating Lebanon’s economic recovery and administrative reform. As these ministers assume their roles, the pressure mounts to deliver effective governance in a nation desperate for stability and progress.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
