Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has formed a new government, ending a two-and-a-half-year caretaker period. Despite aiming for a non-partisan cabinet, key appointments reflect traditional power dynamics in the sectarian landscape. Significant ministers include Yassine Jaber, Tamara Elzein, Ghassan Salame, Haneen Sayed, Joe Saddi, and Kamal Shehadi, all of whom bring diverse expertise to handle the country’s pressing issues.
On Saturday, Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announced the formation of a new government after extensive political negotiations. This government comprises 24 ministers and marks the end of a prolonged period of caretaker governance lasting over two and a half years. Prime Minister Salam pledged not to include political party members, often associated with sectarian divisions and frequently criticized for corruption, despite the necessity of consulting political leaders due to Lebanon’s sectarian power-sharing system.
Among the notable ministers, Yassine Jaber, a former economy and transport minister, was appointed and is closely associated with influential parliament speaker Nabih Berri. He has been criticized for his appointment, which some view as reinforcing Berri’s influence in a cabinet predominantly shaped by Shiite parties. His role is crucial, especially as Lebanon seeks international funding for recovery post-conflict and economic crisis.
Tamara Elzein, serving as secretary-general of Lebanon’s National Council for Scientific Research since 2022, brings academic and diplomatic experience to the government. Holding a doctorate in physical chemistry from Université de Haute-Alsace in France, she is also the vice president of the Lebanese National Commission for UNESCO.
Ghassan Salame, an accomplished academic, diplomat, and former United Nations envoy to Libya, is another significant appointment. Salame has previously worked as an advisor for notable figures such as Kofi Annan and contributed to various UN missions.
Economist Haneen Sayed, known for projects with the World Bank concerning Lebanon’s economic distress and the Syrian conflict, is another key minister. Joe Saddi, with extensive experience in consulting and privatisation, adds business acumen to the team, having been associated with Strategy& and Booz & Company.
Kamal Shehadi is now the minister for displaced persons and also oversees technology and artificial intelligence. His background in telecommunications and technology, along with degrees from prestigious institutions like Columbia and Harvard, positions him well for these challenging roles in a nation facing significant infrastructural obstacles.
The formation of Lebanon’s new government under Prime Minister Nawaf Salam concludes a substantial period of political stalemate that lasted over two and a half years. The government is perceived as a response to the country’s urgent need for reform, particularly in the wake of devastating conflicts and ongoing economic turmoil. Salam’s commitment to excluding traditional political party affiliations signifies a shift towards addressing long-standing issues tied to corruption and sectarian divisions in Lebanese governance, although this remains a challenge in the context of established political norms.
Lebanon’s new government reflects a decisive step away from previous political norms, with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam leading appointments that aim to navigate the complexities of sectarian power dynamics. Significant figures in this cabinet, including Yassine Jaber, Tamara Elzein, and Ghassan Salame, indicate a blend of political experience, academic expertise, and economic acumen that may facilitate Lebanon’s recovery. The government faces the daunting task of addressing pressing national challenges while contending with a history of political instability.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
