Lebanon’s political landscape has shifted dramatically with the announcement of a new government led by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. After two years of political deadlock and economic collapse, the country finally has a full government, but the road ahead is anything but smooth. The once-dominant Hezbollah has suffered significant losses, both militarily and politically.
Lebanon’s New Government and the Fall of Hezbollah
The formation of a new Lebanese government marks the end of two years under caretaker authorities, but it’s not just about filling vacant seats, it’s about Hezbollah losing its grip on power. For years, Hezbollah dictated Lebanon’s political direction, backed by Iran and Syria. However, the militant group suffered heavy blows, first with the assassination of its leader Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli airstrike and then with the ousting of Syria’s Bashar al-Assad, cutting off a crucial supply route.
The weakening of Hezbollah created an opening for former army chief Joseph Aoun, widely seen as Washington’s preferred candidate, to become president. With Aoun in place, the appointment of Nawaf Salam as prime minister followed quickly, breaking a deadlock that had paralyzed Lebanon.
Salam has promised a “government of reform and salvation,” but Lebanese people have heard similar promises before. After years of economic ruin caused by corruption and mismanagement, trust in politicians is nonexistent. Lebanon is still in deep financial trouble, and international donors have refused to release aid without clear reforms. This new government must now prove it can do more than just talk.
Can Lebanon’s New Leaders Deliver Real Change?
The challenges facing Lebanon’s new government are enormous. First, they must implement economic reforms to unlock much-needed international funds. Years of mismanagement and corruption have plunged Lebanon into one of the worst financial crises in modern history, with its currency losing more than 90% of its value. The banking system has collapsed, and basic services are barely functioning. The country is running on fumes, and without foreign assistance, recovery is impossible. But will this government have the political will to enact real change? Or will they, like their predecessors, put personal and sectarian interests above national stability?
Another immediate challenge is maintaining the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. After months of deadly conflict, tensions remain high, and any misstep could trigger another round of violence. Hezbollah, despite its losses, still has considerable firepower, and its influence isn’t entirely erased. The new government must navigate this delicate situation carefully while trying to restore stability in a deeply divided country.
Salam has claimed his government will be independent, excluding political party members and those planning to run in future elections. But in Lebanon, where politics is built on sectarian quotas and backroom deals, true independence is nearly impossible. He named his ministers after consulting with political leaders, proving that, despite his promises, traditional power are still important The idea of a government free from political interference sounds nice but in reality, I’ll say it’s a fantasy.
A “Brighter Chapter” or Just Another Illusion?
The United Nations has welcomed the formation of the new Lebanese government, calling it a “brighter chapter” for the country. But many Lebanese citizens are not convinced. They’ve lived through decades of false hope, empty promises, and political betrayals. Every new government arrives with grand declarations of reform, only to fall back into the same cycle of corruption and inefficiency.
Before this government can even begin its work, it must draft a ministerial statement and pass a confidence vote in parliament within 30 days. Lebanon’s parliament is still dominated by sectarian parties with their own agendas, so getting approval won’t be easy. Even if Salam’s government survives the confidence vote, it must tackle difficult agreements, including those with the International Monetary Fund. With parliamentary elections scheduled for next year, political maneuvering will overshadow any real attempts at reform.
Hezbollah may be weakened, but Lebanon’s deeper issues, corruption, sectarian politics, and economic collapse are far from resolved.
