Nawaf Salam, a distinguished Lebanese diplomat and jurist, has been appointed as Lebanon’s new Prime Minister. Until recently, he served as the President of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, a position he assumed in February 2024.
Salam’s appointment follows a parliamentary vote in which he secured the backing of 85 out of 128 lawmakers, reflecting a significant shift in Lebanon’s political landscape. This development is seen as a setback for Hezbollah and its allies, who had supported the continuation of caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati.
Born on 15 December 1953 in Beirut, Salam hails from a prominent political family. His uncle, Saeb Salam, served multiple terms as Lebanon’s Prime Minister, and his cousin, Tammam Salam, held the same position from 2014 to 2016. Nawaf Salam’s academic credentials are notable; he holds a doctorate in political science from Sciences Po, an LLM from Harvard Law School, and a doctorate in history from Sorbonne University.
Salam’s diplomatic career includes serving as Lebanon’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York from 2007 to 2017. During this tenure, he held positions such as President of the Security Council and Vice President of the General Assembly. In 2018, he was elected as a judge on the ICJ, becoming its President in 2024.
His appointment as Prime Minister comes at a critical juncture for Lebanon, which is grappling with economic challenges and the aftermath of a 14-month conflict between Israel and Hezbollah that resulted in significant casualties and infrastructure damage. Salam’s leadership is anticipated to steer the country towards recovery and reconstruction.
Internationally, Salam is viewed favorably by key foreign powers, including Saudi Arabia and France, who have expressed support for his premiership. This backing is expected to facilitate the inflow of investments and aid essential for Lebanon’s economic revival.
However, his appointment has not been without controversy. Hezbollah and its Shi’ite ally, the Amal Movement, refrained from nominating any candidate for the premiership, indicating potential challenges in government formation. Mohammad Raad, a senior Hezbollah MP, accused opponents of seeking to marginalise and exclude the group, highlighting the complexities Salam may face in achieving political consensus.
Salam’s immediate tasks include forming a government that represents Lebanon’s diverse sectarian communities, initiating economic reforms, combating corruption, and overseeing the reconstruction of areas affected by recent conflicts. His extensive experience in international law and diplomacy positions him as a capable leader to navigate these challenges.
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