BREAKING: Nawaf Salam secures Lebanese MPs' support to be designated PM

Ahram Online , Monday 13 Jan 2025

Nawaf Salam, a prominent judge and diplomat, won the backing of a majority of Lebanese lawmakers on Monday to be named the country's next prime minister following parliamentary consultations initiated by President Joseph Aoun earlier in the day.

Nawaf Salam
File Photo: Lebanese Judge Nawaf Salam. AFP

 

Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Salam, who serves as a judge at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, emerged as the leading contenders for the role.

Salam's designation marks a setback for Hezbollah, which had supported Mikati's continuation in office, Reuters reported.

Salam secured the support of over 68 members of parliament, signalling a shift in Lebanon’s political dynamics after the Israeli war on Gaza spilt into Lebanon last year.

The election of army commander General Joseph Aoun as president last week, who enjoys the support of the United States, further showed Hezbollah's waiting influence. 

According to Reuters sources, before Aoun's election, Hezbollah had reportedly believed an agreement was in place for Mikati to remain in power.

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