Lebanon’s government Formation Stalls Amid Political Whirlpool
The formation of Lebanon’s new government has hit a snag, with delays pushing its anticipated birth date to next week. The process, mired in a whirlpool of conditions, requests, and counter-requests, has left the internal political arena confused and raised questions about whether the momentum for its formation has been lost both domestically and internationally.
Judge Nawaf Salam, the President-designate, has been at the center of this political storm.Emerging from a recent proclamation at Baabda Palace, Salam emphasized his commitment to three key criteria: ensuring that finances are not under the control of the “duo or trio,” maintaining the principle of “Army, people, resistance,” and avoiding the influence of a “guarantor third party.” These conditions,however,appear to contradict earlier reports of his meetings with key figures like Representative Muhammad Raad and Haj Hussein Al-Khalil,were an understanding on these matters was reportedly reached.
Informed sources have described the situation as “difficult,” with no clear resolution in sight. “The problem is that no one knows where the knot is,” they said. While Shiite leaders claim an understanding with Salam, Sunni and Christian factions insist they are not the source of the obstruction. salam has held extensive consultations with parliamentary blocs and foreign officials, concluding that the government must consist of 24 ministers, with all parties represented.
Despite assurances from major political players, tensions persist. The Free Patriotic Movement’s Gebran Bassil affirmed Salam’s “correctness” in his approach,while other factions accused Hezbollah and the Amal Movement of obstructing the process. Salam himself has expressed optimism, stating that his meetings with President Aoun and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri revealed a “positive and cooperative climate.” Yet, the government remains elusive.
Salam’s approach to forming the government is clear: he intends to personally select ministers from lists provided by political forces, prioritizing individuals he deems worthy of their positions and representative of their constituencies. He also aims to maintain the current sectarian distribution of sovereign ministries, with ministerial appointments made in consultation with the three presidents.
The question remains: what is causing the delay? Is it disagreements over quotas and portfolios, or are there deeper issues related to the government’s work program? Some speculate that the delay is tied to discussions about Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon, while others point to the role of the “five-party” committee, whose ambassadors recently met to discuss the situation. Egyptian Ambassador Alaa moussa emphasized, “No to putting pressure on the Prime Minister-designate, Judge Nawaf Salam, and let him take his time in forming a harmonious government.”
As Lebanon navigates this political labyrinth, the stakes are high. The formation of a stable government is crucial for addressing the country’s economic crisis and restoring public trust.For now, all eyes remain on Judge Nawaf Salam and the intricate negotiations shaping Lebanon’s future.| Key Points | Details |
|—————-|————-|
| Government Formation | Delayed until next week amid political disagreements. |
| President-designate | Judge Nawaf Salam committed to three key criteria. |
| Main Obstacles | Quotas, portfolios, and internal/external pressures. |
| Political Climate | Positive but marked by accusations of obstruction. |
| Next Steps | Continued consultations and ministerial selections. |
For more insights into Lebanon’s political landscape, explore Lebanon’s government formation process and the role of judge Nawaf Salam in navigating this complex scenario. Stay tuned for updates as the situation unfolds.
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Navigating Lebanon’s Political Maze: A Conversation with Dr. Lamia Younes,Expert on Lebanese Politics
Introduction:
In the wake of Lebanon’s ongoing challenges,the formation of a new government has been mired in delays and political manoeuvering. With Judge Nawaf Salam at the helm, the process has become a labyrinth of conditions, requests, and counter-requests, leaving both domestic and international stakeholders questioning the progress. Today, we are privileged to have Dr. Lamia Younes, a prominent specialist in Lebanese politics and international relations, joining us to shed light on this complex scenario.
Understanding the Delay in Government Formation
Senior Editor (SE): Dr. Younes,thanks for joining us. Let’s start with the most pressing issue: the delay in forming Lebanon’s new government. What, in your expert opinion, is causing this stalemate?
Dr. Lamia Younes (LY): Thank you for having me.The delay in government formation is indeed a multi-faceted issue. At its core, it’s a result of disagreements over ministerial portfolios and the distribution of political quotas among the various factions. However, there are also deeper issues at play, such as the government’s work program and international pressures. Some even argue that discussions around Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon and the role of the “five-party” committee are factors contributing to the delay.
Judge Nawaf Salam’s Criteria and the Politicization of Negotiations
SE: Judge salam has set three key criteria for the government formation.How do you perceive these criteria, and do you think they’re contributing to the delays?
LY: Judge Salam’s criteria – ensuring financial autonomy, upholding the principles of “Army, people, resistance,” and avoiding external influence – are commendable and reflect the need for a government that serves Lebanon’s interests independently. Tho, the problem lies in their interpretation and submission. Different political factions have their own understanding of these principles, leading to politicization and further entangling the negotiations.
The Role of Internal and External Pressures
SE: How are internal and external pressures affecting the government formation process?
LY: Internal pressures,predominantly from the various political factions and their leaders,are evident in the acusations of obstruction and the insistence on certain conditions. Externally, international actors, while generally supportive of a stable Lebanese government, may also be exerting subtle pressures, either explicitly or inferred, based on their own geopolitical interests.
The Way Forward: Realistic Expectations
SE: Given these complexities, what are the prospects for a quick resolution, and what can we realistically expect from Lebanon’s next government?
LY: Realistically, the formation of a government may still take some time, despite Salam’s efforts.The key is compromise among the political factions,keeping in mind Lebanon’s pressing economic and security challenges.As for expectations, we hope that the new government will bring stability and continuity to Lebanon’s institutions, allow for the implementation of much-needed reforms, and restore public trust in the political process.
Conclusion
SE: Dr. Younes, thank you for your insightful analysis of Lebanon’s political landscape and the challenges it faces in forming a new government. Your expertise has certainly provided valuable context to our readers.
LY: My pleasure. Let’s hope that Lebanon finds a way out of this political labyrinth and moves towards a more stable and prosperous future.
