Lebanon’s Government Achieves Parliamentary Confidence Amid Political Shifts
Lebanon’s government, led by Prime Minister Salam, secured confidence from 95 lawmakers amid a changed political landscape following Hezbollah’s setbacks in war. The new administration aims to prioritize state authority, recover the economy, and negotiate with the IMF, focusing on restoring confidence among depositors. Its formation drew significant U.S. intervention to unlock reconstruction funding efforts.
On Wednesday, Lebanon’s government secured the confidence of 95 out of 128 lawmakers in parliament. The political landscape in Lebanon has shifted significantly since Hezbollah experienced considerable setbacks in the last year’s conflict with Israel. Unlike prior governments, the new administration’s policy statement did not endorse Hezbollah’s role in national defense, signifying a desire for a state that maintains exclusive control over decisions regarding war and peace. Prime Minister Salam emphasized this commitment to the constitution and national accord during his parliamentary address.
Hezbollah officially expressed support for the government through the remarks of senior lawmaker Mohammed Raad. Prime Minister Salam indicated that the administration would prioritize distancing Lebanon from external financial scrutiny to facilitate negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He underscored the importance of addressing the needs of depositors who were adversely affected by the economic crisis that has beleaguered the nation since 2019.
Lebanon’s economic struggles stem from a financial system collapse linked to extensive state debts, culminating in a sovereign default in 2020. The formation of the new government occurred on February 8, following significant U.S. intervention, aimed at positioning Lebanon to access reconstruction funds post-conflict with Israel. Although Beirut had reached a draft funding agreement with the IMF in 2022, necessary reforms were not enacted by the authorities, delaying potential assistance.
In summary, Lebanon’s newly-formed government has gained parliamentary confidence amidst a radically altered political climate post-Hezbollah’s military losses. The administration, led by Prime Minister Salam, aims to prioritize state authority, economic recovery, and negotiations with the IMF while addressing the longstanding financial crisis. The support from Hezbollah, alongside international efforts, highlights the complexity of Lebanon’s path towards stability and recovery.
Original Source: ifpnews.com
