The National Bloc: The New Government Faces Pivotal Challenges

After nearly three years of political vacuum, a new government has been formed amid sweeping regional changes following a devastating war on our land.

This government reflects a delicate political balance successfully achieved by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. It brings together distinguished figures, including diplomats, experts, lawyers, and business professionals. Notably, it features strong female representation, with five women ministers. Both President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam have succeeded in attracting many expatriates to play a key role in rebuilding their homeland, highlighting the richness of the Lebanese diaspora.

Despite the unresolved issue of the Finance Ministry, we expect this government to address major challenges, particularly implementing the ceasefire agreement and all provisions of UN Resolution 1701, enacting financial reforms, most notably the restructuring of the banking sector—and preparing Lebanon for a comprehensive recovery plan. Additionally, we expect judicial reforms, with a primary focus on judicial independence, the reactivation of the Beirut Port explosion investigation along with other stalled inquiries, the reconstruction of the South and other affected regions, as well as administrative, military, and judicial appointments, all within a timeframe not exceeding a year and a half.

If the process of dismantling the ill-fated Doha Agreement begins by abolishing the obstructive one-third veto and rejecting the distorted interpretation of sectarian representation that allows parties to monopolize it, we hope that appointed ministers will remain independent in their decisions and not submit to narrow partisan dictates. This would pave the way for further reform, including the return to ministerial rotation and the elimination of sectarian allocations in government ministries.

The next crucial step lies in drafting the ministerial statement, which we expect to emphasize the necessity of placing all arms and decisions of war and peace under the exclusive authority of the Lebanese state. The success of this government hinges on maximum cohesion and harmony among ministers, with its primary benchmark being the implementation of the reforms set out in the Presidential Oath, and the preparation of fair and transparent elections, a milestone that could mark a turning point in our nation's modern history.

The National Bloc extends its best wishes to Presidents Aoun and Salam, as well as the entire government, for success in their mission.