As Lebanon elects Nawaf Salam as its new Prime Minister, the country faces a pivotal moment in its political landscape.
Lebanon’s parliament has named Nawaf Salam as the country’s new Prime Minister-designate, signaling a pivotal shift in the nation’s political landscape. Salam, a distinguished diplomat and judge currently serving as the head of the International Court of Justice, received 84 votes in binding consultations with President Joseph Aoun. His appointment, backed by Western-aligned groups and independents, comes as a blow to the Iran-backed Hezbollah bloc, which only managed nine votes for caretaker PM Najib Mikati, while 35 MPs abstained.
Salam’s nomination occurs against the backdrop of a nation grappling with a profound crisis, including a historic five-year economic collapse and the aftermath of a devastating 14-month war between Hezbollah and Israel. In his inaugural speech, Salam pledged to “rescue, reform, and rebuild” Lebanon while extending an olive branch to Hezbollah, which did not support his appointment. “My hands are extended to all to set off together on this mission,” Salam said, emphasizing unity and a fresh start for the country.
His designation follows the election of President Joseph Aoun, the army commander, signaling potential for renewed international support. Observers suggest that Salam’s leadership, coupled with Aoun’s presidency, could unlock much-needed financial aid from Western and Gulf states to assist in Lebanon’s reconstruction. However, Hezbollah’s parliamentary bloc expressed concerns over Salam’s nomination, accusing rival factions of pursuing divisive agendas.
The appointment of Nawaf Salam as Lebanon’s Prime Minister-designate marks a crucial moment for a country struggling with economic collapse and political instability. While Salam’s international credentials and unifying rhetoric inspire cautious optimism, experts warn that Lebanon’s deeply entrenched corruption and factional divisions will remain significant obstacles to meaningful reform.
Salam faces the herculean task of navigating Lebanon’s fractured political landscape while addressing urgent issues such as financial reforms, post-war reconstruction, and restoring confidence in the state. As Lebanon looks to rebuild, Salam’s ability to push through reforms while balancing competing domestic and international pressures will be critical in determining the country’s future.
Who is Nawaf Salam?
Born on December 15, 1953, in Beirut, Salam hails from a family deeply rooted in Lebanon’s political history. His grandfather played a significant role in the anti-imperialist Reform Movement during Ottoman rule, while his uncle, Saeb Salam, served as Lebanon’s Prime Minister four times between 1952 and 1973. More recently, his cousin Tammam Salam held the same position from 2014 to 2016.
Salam’s father, Abdullah Salam, co-founded Middle East Airlines, Lebanon’s national carrier, adding to the family’s notable contributions to the country. Married to journalist and Lebanon’s ambassador to UNESCO, Sahar Baassiri, Salam is a father to two sons, Abdullah and Marwan.
Salam earned a degree in social sciences from the School of Graduate Studies in Paris in 1974, followed by a doctorate in history from the Sorbonne University in 1979. In 1984, he shifted his focus to law, studying at Beirut University before completing a Master of Laws at Harvard Law School in 1991.
He later taught at renowned institutions, including Harvard, Columbia, and Yale, before stepping into Lebanese politics in 1999. His early political role was as a member of the Executive Office of the Economic and Social Council, a position he held until 2002.
Salam’s domestic political stance has been defined by his opposition to Hezbollah’s influence and his advocacy for limiting the use of arms to Lebanon’s official military and security institutions. This reformist vision has earned him respect from both Arab and European leaders on the international stage.
Despite facing challenges domestically, including a veto by Hezbollah during his bid for caretaker prime minister in 2022, Salam continued to build his reputation abroad. His legal expertise led to his appointment as Lebanon’s judge at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 2018. By 2024, he had risen to the position of ICJ President, where he presided over key rulings, including one addressing the issue of genocide in Gaza.
A good choice for the future?
In light of the ongoing efforts to form a new government, MP Ghada Ayyoub expressed cautious optimism about the potential for a fresh start under Lebanon’s new presidential era. “A government statement should translate the promises made in the inaugural address into actionable reforms,” Ayyoub told NOW, adding that such alignment would offer hope to Lebanese citizens both at home and abroad.
However, she warned of the challenges ahead. “Forming this government will not be easy,” Ayyoub admitted, pointing to the interplay of internal pressures and international expectations. She noted that external and domestic forces must work in tandem to ensure that the process adheres to the principles of building a state and respecting the constitution.
The MP called for the inclusion of competent, reform-minded individuals in the new government. “We need ministers who have Lebanon’s best interests at heart—people who are committed to building institutions rather than serving political patrons,” she stated. Ayyoub underscored the risks of repeating past mistakes, particularly in the appointment of key officials such as the Central Bank Governor, judiciary heads, and general directors.
“This is perhaps our last chance to build a state,” Ayyoub said. “If this government fails to break away from the corrupt practices of the past, we will find ourselves back at square one.”
For Bassel Saleh, an activist and professor at the Lebanese University, Salam’s candidacy reflects a significant shift in Lebanon’s political dynamic. “The decision to nominate MP Ibrahim Mneimneh changed the entire game. It created a new dynamic and shifted the power balance in Parliament. This wasn’t just about blocking Najib Mikati; it was about rejecting the old system altogether,” Saleh told NOW.
Saleh elaborated on the role of reformist MPs in the process, highlighting their refusal to support traditional candidates like businessman Fouad Makhzoumi. “For us, as changemakers, Makhzoumi is no different from Mikati. Both represent a business-oriented approach to politics that has failed to serve the people. The MPs who stood firm against this status quo sent a clear message: Lebanon needs new faces and a fresh vision,” Saleh explained.
He also praised Salam’s professional background, emphasizing his potential to address Lebanon’s multifaceted crises. “Salam has the experience needed for this critical phase. He understands the intricacies of both domestic and international politics. His tenure as a judge at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and his diplomatic experience make him uniquely equipped to navigate Lebanon’s current challenges,” Saleh noted.
However, Saleh acknowledged the significant hurdles Salam will face in forming a government. “The current political system is designed to obstruct change. Even if Salam has the will and the expertise, the entrenched political class will try to derail his efforts. Yet, his clean record and credibility on both the domestic and international levels offer a glimmer of hope,” he said.
On the streets, Salam’s nomination has sparked a sense of relief among many Lebanese, with some feeling that their voices have finally been heard. “For the first time in years, people feel like they’re part of something bigger, something outside the traditional power structures. The question now is whether this optimism can translate into real change,” Saleh remarked.
People’s PM
For political activist Karim Safieddine, Nawaf Salam’s candidacy signals hope for a Lebanon rooted in secularism, democracy, and social justice. Safieddine views Salam as not only an ally but also a historical comrade who aligns with progressive ideals and advocates for a vision centered on the impoverished and marginalized.
“Salam represents a vision for Lebanon that is very promising,” Safieddine told NOW. He emphasized Salam’s alignment with the broader aspirations of a secular and democratic state, one that prioritizes the needs of its most vulnerable citizens over entrenched sectarian and economic interests.
However, Safieddine noted that the battle is not merely about Salam as an individual but about the formation of a government capable of state-building in the face of opposition from sectarian forces. “People like Nawaf Salam and [new president] Joseph Aoun represent a state-building vision, but they’re up against sectarian forces defending economic and militaristic interests.”
Safieddine linked the current contestation to the spirit of the October 17 revolution, as well as aspects of the March 14 movement, seeing these moments as part of a broader struggle for systemic change. “This is a process of negotiation and contestation between different forces on the ground,” he said.
Safieddine stressed that Salam’s global relations and legal acumen would be critical assets for Lebanon. However, he acknowledged that these strengths alone are insufficient.
“Politics is about power,” Safieddine said. “And power must also come from below, from grassroots efforts and democratic movements that can support leaders like Salam in affecting real change.”
In Lebanon, cautious optimism surrounds Nawaf Salam’s leadership, with many hopeful for reforms. However, challenges remain as the country faces deep-seated sectarianism, economic crisis, and political fragmentation, requiring both local and international support to move forward.
