Lebanon’s new prime minister, Nawaf Salam, a renowned international judge and reform advocate, has been tasked with forming a government with hopes of addressing the country’s entrenched crises.
Salam, 71, previously served as a presiding judge at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague. Known for his independence and academic rigour, he has earned respect for staying above the political infighting that has plagued Lebanon in recent years.
His appointment follows a weakening of Hezbollah’s influence due to its recent war with Israel and the loss of Syrian ally Bashar al-Assad. Despite objections from Hezbollah and Amal, Salam gained the backing of other political factions, marking a shift in Lebanon’s political dynamics.
Born in Beirut, Salam studied law and political science at Harvard and Sciences Po. He served as Lebanon’s UN ambassador from 2007 to 2017 and was appointed ICJ president in February 2024.
Analysts describe Salam as a reformist capable of addressing corruption and inefficiency, aligning with citizens’ demands for accountability. His writings include proposals for electoral reforms, reflecting his focus on governance and transparency.
Salam follows in the footsteps of family members who have previously led Lebanon, bringing renewed hope for the country’s stability and progress.
