Lebanon’s government led by Najib Salam secured 95 out of 128 votes in parliament and intends to prioritize economic recovery by negotiating with the IMF. In a notable shift, the government omitted suggestions legitimizing Hezbollah’s role in defending the country. Lebanon has faced a severe economic crisis since 2019, with extensive state debt leading to a financial collapse.
Lebanon’s government led by Prime Minister Najib Salam secured the confidence of 95 lawmakers out of 128 during a parliamentary vote on Wednesday. This marked a significant shift in the political landscape, influenced by Hezbollah’s diminished power following last year’s conflict with Israel. Notably, the new government’s policy statement omitted any legitimization of Hezbollah’s role in Lebanon’s defense, emphasizing a desire for a state that maintains exclusive control over military decisions.
Prime Minister Salam stated, “We want a state that holds the exclusive authority over decisions on war and peace, a state loyal to the constitution and national accord ensuring the implementation of unfulfilled provisions.” Hezbollah expressed its support for the government through senior lawmaker Mohammed Raad. Salam also outlined the government’s intentions to alleviate Lebanon’s financial crisis by prioritizing negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and addressing the concerns of depositors.
Since 2019, Lebanon has grappled with an economic downturn, culminating in a financial system collapse that triggered a sovereign default in 2020, impacting ordinary citizens’ access to savings. Following noteworthy US intervention, Lebanon formed this new government on February 8, aimed at facilitating access to reconstruction funds post-conflict. Despite reaching a draft funding agreement with the IMF in 2022, implementation of necessary reforms remains unfulfilled, complicating the path forward for the nation.
In conclusion, the new Lebanese government, under Najib Salam, has gained parliamentary confidence without the prior endorsement of Hezbollah’s military role, signifying a pivot in its political stance. Salam’s administration prioritizes restoring economic stability through engagement with the IMF and focusing on depositors’ needs. This governmental shift is critical in addressing Lebanon’s dire economic situation, compounded by the fallout of recent conflicts and the pressing need for reforms.
Original Source: ifpnews.com
