Lebanon Appoints International Judge Nawaf Salam as Prime Minister

Nawaf Salam, an esteemed international judge, has been named Lebanon’s new prime minister. Salam, aged 71, previously served as a presiding judge at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague and is renowned for his neutrality in Lebanon's political conflicts.

Hailing from a notable political family in Beirut, Salam had been proposed multiple times to lead a government in Lebanon, but his appointment faced strong opposition from Hezbollah, an Iran-backed political and militant group. 

Many critics viewed Salam as a potential reformer capable of loosening Hezbollah’s influence on Lebanon's state institutions.

However, recent developments have shifted the political landscape. Hezbollah’s weakening position, due to its conflict with Israel and reduced support from Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, allowed Lebanon’s newly elected President Joseph Aoun to appoint Salam to form a government.

Despite objections from Hezbollah and its ally Amal, Salam received backing from other former allies of the Shiite movement, signaling a potential shift in Lebanon's governance.

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A Reformist Leader

Lebanese political analyst Imed Salamey described Salam as a figure committed to justice and human rights, adding that his academic and professional credentials make him a symbol of hope for a more transparent and accountable government.

Salam, who studied law and political science at prestigious institutions such as Harvard University and Sciences Po, served as Lebanon’s ambassador to the United Nations from 2007 to 2017. He has written extensively on political reforms, including proposals for restructuring Lebanon’s electoral system.

In February 2024, Salam became the ICJ president. His leadership at the ICJ reinforced his reputation as a reformist, particularly after the court ruled Israel’s presence in Palestinian territories as "illegal."

Historical and Personal Background

Nawaf Salam follows in the footsteps of his uncle Saeb Salam, who served as Lebanon’s prime minister four times between 1952 and 1973, and his cousin Tammam Salam, who held the office from 2014 to 2016. Salam’s wife, Sahar Baassiri, is a former Lebanese envoy to UNESCO in Paris.

Salam's appointment comes after Lebanon’s parliament elected President Joseph Aoun, ending a two-year presidential vacancy under international pressure. 

Experts believe Salam’s leadership, combined with his reformist credentials, could mark the beginning of a new era for Lebanon.

FAQs

• Who is Nawaf Salam?

Nawaf Salam is a prominent international judge and diplomat who has served as Lebanon’s ambassador to the United Nations and as a presiding judge at the International Court of Justice.

• Why is Nawaf Salam considered a reformist?

Salam is known for his commitment to justice, human rights, and transparency. His academic work and leadership at the ICJ have highlighted his dedication to addressing corruption and inefficiency in governance.

• What challenges does Salam face as Lebanon’s Prime Minister?

Salam must navigate Lebanon’s complex political landscape, address its economic crisis, and implement long-overdue reforms, all while managing opposition from groups like Hezbollah.