Nawaf Salam’s Cabinet: Who’s Who in Lebanon’s New Government?
On Saturday, Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announced a new government of 24 ministers, including five women, marking the end of over two years of caretaker rule.
The long-awaited formation comes at a critical time, just days before the February 18 deadline for a ceasefire agreement with Israel.
Who’s Who in Lebanon’s New Cabinet?
Deputy Prime Minister: Tarek Mitri
Tarek Mitri is a seasoned diplomat and academic. He has served in multiple ministerial roles, including culture and environment, and was Lebanon’s acting foreign minister. His experience in international diplomacy includes serving as the UN’s special representative to Libya.
Minister of Economy: Amer Bisat
Amer Bisat, an emerging markets specialist at the US-based investment firm BlackRock, will be tasked with leading Lebanon’s economic recovery.
Minister Of Finance: Yassine Jaber
Yassine Jaber, a close associate of parliamentary speaker Nabih Berri, has been given the finance portfolio, which is one of the most crucial roles in a country grappling with an economic meltdown.
Minister Of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants: Youssef Rajji
Diplomat Youssef Rajji is Lebanon’s former ambassador to Jordan. His prior experience includes serving in Lebanese missions across South Korea, Morocco, and Ivory Coast.
Minister of Social Affairs: Haneen Sayed
Economist and author Haneen Sayed, who has worked extensively with the World Bank, will oversee social policies at a time when Lebanon faces a severe humanitarian crisis.
Minister of Environment: Tamara El-Zein
Tamara El-Zein is a physical chemist and vice president of Lebanon’s National Commission for UNESCO. She has served as the secretary-general of Lebanon’s National Council for Scientific Research since 2022.
International Dynamics and Future Prospects
The formation of this government occurs amid significant regional shifts, including a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah and the recent ousting of Syria’s Bashar al-Assad.
These developments have led to renewed international interest in the Middle East, with investors cautiously optimistic about potential economic recovery, reports Reuters.
As Lebanon embarks on this new chapter, the government’s ability to implement reforms, rebuild trust with the international community, and address the pressing needs of its citizens will be critical in determining the nation’s trajectory.
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