Nawaf Salam, the former President of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), has been appointed as Lebanon’s new Prime Minister after securing the backing of a parliamentary majority during consultations led by newly-installed President Joseph Aoun on January 13.  

Salam's appointment follows the election of Aoun as Lebanon’s President last week, which ended a two-year power vacuum in part due to the overbearing influence of Iran and Hezbollah on the fragile political universe in the country. Lebanon had been without a president since October 2022, and during the prolonged political stalemate, a caretaker government headed by Najib Mikati. 

Salam gained recognition as a technocratic candidate during Lebanon’s October 2019 uprising and re-emerged after the Beirut port explosion in August 2020. Renowned for his reformist and independent stance, Salam is a vocal critic of Hezbollah’s influence in Lebanese politics. He advocates for limiting the possession and use of arms to the Lebanese military and official security forces entrusted with safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty.  

During the presidential crisis, Salam was a contender for caretaker Prime Minister but was vetoed by Hezbollah and its political allies in favour of Mikati. However, this time Salam secured the support of 84 MPs out of 128, far surpassing Mikati’s nine votes. Under Lebanon’s power-sharing system, the President must be a Maronite Christian, the Prime Minister a Sunni Muslim, and the Speaker of Parliament a Shia Muslim.  

An international statesman and judge

As part of his long career in the In 2018, Salam was appointed as Lebanon’s judge at the ICJ, later becoming the court’s President in 2024. His tenure at the ICJ drew widespread attention, particularly due to his outspoken criticism of Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories. Shortly after assuming his ICJ presidency, Israel launched a devastating war on Gaza, resulting in the deaths of over 46,500 Palestinians, most of whom were civilians.  

In an exclusive interview with IntelliNews, renowned Lebanese journalist and former cabinet minister May Chidiac shared her views on the recent appointment of Judge Nawaf Salam as Prime Minister-designate, describing it as a critical turning point for Lebanon.  

Chidiac characterised the decision as a natural progression following the election of General Joseph Aoun as President, which marked the beginning of significant political change. She explained, “Without Judge Salam’s appointment, the Lebanese people would have perceived General Aoun’s election as an incomplete success. The nation has been waiting for broader reforms to turn the page on past challenges, particularly in matters of sovereignty and the promises laid out in the President’s inaugural address.”  

She contrasted Salam’s appointment with that of Najib Mikati, who she believes symbolises an era that many Lebanese wish to move beyond. “Prime Minister Mikati represents a period of hardship for the Lebanese people circumstances they are eager to leave behind in favour of a new beginning, one that promises the implementation of the President’s vision and commitments.” 

Chidiac noted her optimism about the partnership between the President and Prime Minister-designate, stating, “We have full confidence that Salam will work hand in hand with President Aoun to fulfil the pledges made in the inaugural address. This will be evident in forming the new cabinet and the governance style, as the Lebanese have grown weary of corruption and political stagnation.”  

On Hezbollah  

In her interview, Chidiac advocates for the exclusive authority of the Lebanese state over its weapons, warning that any alternative would undermine progress. She noted, “If Najib Mikati had been tasked with forming the government, Hezbollah would have inevitably demanded ministerial representation, effectively stalling any meaningful change.”  

She criticised Hezbollah’s governing approach, describing it as “rooted in excessive power and authoritarianism.” Chidiac argued that the party must abandon this mindset, as it no longer aligns with the evolving political dynamics in Lebanon and the broader region.  

“Lebanon cannot afford to remain on the sidelines of regional developments, whether it’s the situation in Syria or the ceasefire agreement in southern Lebanon,” she said.

“The implementation of international resolutions, particularly Resolution 1701 and its provisions under Resolutions 1559 and 1680, is non-negotiable. A Prime Minister with experience in the United Nations and a deep understanding of these resolutions will undoubtedly work toward advancing the country’s best interests.”  

Chidiac pointed to recent statements by Mohammad Raad, head of Hezbollah’s Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc, as indicative of the party’s unwillingness to accept a shifting balance of power. “Raad’s rhetoric, especially his inflammatory comments about ‘cutting off hands,’ reflects a refusal to adapt to the new political realities,” she said. “Hezbollah relies on sectarian consensus to impose its will, but this approach is increasingly outdated and discredited.”  

She also highlighted the party’s role in derailing the achievements of the March 14 movement, citing its actions during the 2006 war and its involvement in Syria as detrimental to Lebanon’s stability.  

Reflecting on the current political landscape, Chidiac said that Hezbollah’s unilateral decision-making can no longer dictate the country’s trajectory. “The party’s policies have cost Lebanon dearly, yet it expects the nation to align with its vision despite repeated failures,” she said.  

“Circumstances have changed,” she continued. “There are no longer arms shipments coming from Syria, and Iran’s involvement in Lebanon’s reconstruction faces significant challenges. Meanwhile, Arab nations are showing a clear interest in investing in a Lebanon that has the foundations for success.”  

Chidiac said she hopes for a new chapter in Lebanon’s political journey. “We need fresh leadership, a commitment to sovereignty, and genuine reform. This is Lebanon’s chance to reclaim its place on the regional and international stage.”