The newly elected president of Lebanon has begun discussions regarding the appointment of a prime minister

Newly elected Lebanese president Joseph Aoun delivering a speech after his election in Beirut, on January 9, 2025

Kathmandu. Newly elected Lebanese President Joseph Aoun initiated parliamentary consultations on Monday to appoint a prime minister responsible for forming a government urgently needed to address the significant challenges facing the crisis-stricken nation. Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Nawaf Salam, who is favored by anti-Hezbollah legislators and currently serves as the presiding judge at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, have emerged as the leading candidates for the position.

These consultations, mandated by Lebanon's sectarian power-sharing framework, follow Aoun's election last week, which occurred under international pressure for prompt action, particularly from the United States and Saudi Arabia. The eastern Mediterranean country has been without a president since October 2022, operating under a caretaker government amid a severe economic crisis exacerbated by ongoing conflict between the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah and Israel.

Traditionally, the prime minister in Lebanon is a Sunni Muslim. On Saturday, opposition lawmakers expressed their support for anti-Hezbollah legislator Fouad Makhzoumi, a wealthy businessman with strong connections to Gulf nations and Washington. However, on Monday, Makhzoumi announced his withdrawal from the race to facilitate a consensus around Judge Nawaf Salam's candidacy. Aoun's discussions with various political factions commenced at 8:15 am (0615 GMT) with a meeting with Deputy Parliament Speaker Elias Abu Saab, as reported by the official National News Agency.

A component of the agreement

A source familiar with Hezbollah's internal dynamics informed AFP that both Hezbollah and the influential Amal movement, led by parliament speaker Nabih Berri, have expressed their support for Mikati. The reappointment of the current prime minister is seen as a component of the agreement established with the Saudi envoy to Lebanon, which facilitated the votes from Hezbollah and Amal for Aoun's presidency last week.

This information was shared under the condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the topic. Key players in the diplomatic efforts to resolve the presidential stalemate include Saudi Arabia and the United States, both of which have been instrumental in pushing for a resolution. After a period of reduced engagement due to concerns over Hezbollah's influence, Riyadh has renewed its focus on Lebanon's political landscape, particularly following Hezbollah's significant setbacks in its recent conflict with Israel.

Mikati, who has previously led three governments and maintains strong relationships with various political factions and foreign nations, has refuted claims of any prior agreements. As one of Lebanon's wealthiest individuals, he has been serving in a caretaker role during the ongoing presidential void. On the day of the presidential vote, Mikati expressed his willingness to serve the nation "if needed." The individual who ultimately leads Lebanon's new government will encounter substantial challenges, including the necessity of implementing reforms to meet the expectations of international donors amid the country's unprecedented economic crisis. Additionally, they will be tasked with the complex responsibility of rebuilding significant areas affected by the Israel-Hezbollah conflict and adhering to the ceasefire agreement established on November 27, which encompasses the contentious issue of disarming Hezbollah.

Resistance against Mikati

Opposition to Mikati has gained traction among lawmakers who are advocating for the nomination of Salam, a distinguished former ambassador and current judge at the International Court of Justice, whose candidacy is often discussed in political circles. Efforts to consolidate opposition and independent voices intensified late Sunday, focusing on uniting behind Salam to obstruct Mikati's ascent to the premiership. Critics of Hezbollah view Mikati as emblematic of the entrenched political establishment that the militant group dominates. Following President Aoun's commitment to usher in a "new phase" for Lebanon during his inaugural address, Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea remarked that, regardless of opinions, Mikati is associated with the previous political era.

According to Lebanon's constitution, the president is responsible for designating the prime minister after consulting with the parliament speaker, selecting the candidate who secures the majority of votes during these discussions. However, the nomination of a prime minister does not ensure the swift formation of a new government, as the process has historically been prolonged, often extending over weeks or even months due to significant political discord and negotiations.