Lebanon's PM-Designate Prioritizes Rebuilding After War And Economic Crisis

Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam speaks to journalists after his meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the presidential palace in Baabda, east of Beirut, Lebanon, Tuesday, Jan. 1

Lebanon's prime minister-designate has outlined his vision for rebuilding the crisis-hit country, focusing on addressing the aftermath of a yearlong war with Israel and tackling the historic economic meltdown. Following a meeting with Lebanon's new President, the prime minister-designate emphasized the need to construct a modern state and prioritize the reconstruction efforts necessitated by the conflict with Israel.

The appointment of the prime minister-designate and the confirmation of the new President mark a significant development for Lebanon, which has been under a caretaker administration for the past two years. The prime minister-designate expressed his commitment to inclusivity, stating that he will not marginalize any faction within Lebanon, including the Hezbollah militant group.

Hezbollah, which was significantly impacted by the 14-month war with Israel, has been a key player in Lebanese politics. The conflict resulted in thousands of casualties and extensive damage amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars. The prime minister-designate emphasized the importance of extending the state's authority across all regions of the country.

Commitment to inclusivity and not marginalizing any faction.

Prime minister-designate prioritizes rebuilding after war with Israel.

Emphasis on extending state authority across all regions.

Addressing economic challenges through reforms and reconstruction.

Pledges to adhere to U.N. Security Council resolutions on Israel-Hezbollah conflict.

Call for unity in reform, reconstruction, and economic recovery mission.

Addressing the pressing economic challenges facing Lebanon, the prime minister-designate highlighted the need to implement reforms and rebuild the economy. Lebanon's financial sector has been severely affected by decades of corruption and political stagnation, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the devastating Beirut port explosion in 2020.

The prime minister-designate also pledged to adhere to U.N. Security Council resolutions related to the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, emphasizing the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon and the disarmament of Hezbollah near the border. He underscored the urgency of developing a modern economy to uplift the Lebanese population, which includes a significant number of Syrian refugees.

In his address, the prime minister-designate extended a hand to all stakeholders, calling for unity in the mission of reform, reconstruction, and economic recovery. Both the prime minister-designate and the newly elected President are seen as outsiders to Lebanon's traditional political elite, signaling a potential shift in the country's governance post-civil war.