Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has appointed International Court of Justice (ICJ) judge Nawaf Salam to form the country’s new government, following a two-year political vacuum that has exacerbated Lebanon’s economic and political crises.

The announcement was made by Presidency Director General Antoine Choucair during a press conference in Beirut. Salam, who received the backing of 84 lawmakers in Lebanon’s 128-seat parliament, is currently outside the country but is expected to return on Tuesday to begin the government formation process.

Nine MPs voted for caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati to retain his position, while the majority supported Salam's nomination, signaling a shift towards resolving Lebanon’s prolonged political stalemate.

While Salam’s appointment marks a step forward, the process of forming a new government in Lebanon is often fraught with delays due to the country’s complex political and sectarian power-sharing system. Under the Lebanese Constitution, the president must be a Maronite Christian, the prime minister a Sunni Muslim, and the parliamentary speaker a Shia Muslim, reflecting Lebanon's delicate confessional balance.

Salam’s nomination comes amidst Lebanon’s worsening economic conditions and ongoing political divisions. The country has been without a functioning government since caretaker Premier Mikati assumed limited responsibilities following the 2022 parliamentary elections.

Salam's appointment follows the election of Joseph Aoun as Lebanon’s president last week. Aoun, who succeeded Michel Aoun after the presidency had been vacant since October 2022, is the fifth army commander in Lebanon’s history to transition to the presidency.

Observers view the recent developments as critical steps toward addressing Lebanon’s challenges, including implementing economic reforms and restoring public confidence in governance. However, Salam faces significant hurdles in forming a government that satisfies the country’s fragmented political factions.

With Salam’s return to Lebanon imminent, the coming weeks will determine whether his appointment can translate into concrete progress in stabilizing the nation. (ILKHA)