Nawaf Salam, a highly respected international judge, has been appointed Lebanon’s new Prime Minister, bringing hope for reform in a nation plagued by political paralysis and economic collapse. Salam, 71, previously served as the presiding judge at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague and hails from a distinguished political family in Beirut.
Despite his reputation for impartiality and commitment to justice, Salam’s prior nominations for the premiership were consistently blocked by Iran-backed Hezbollah. However, the group has been significantly weakened following its war with Israel and the loss of Syria’s Bashar al-Assad as an ally. This shift enabled newly elected Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to entrust Salam with forming a government.
Political analyst Imed Salamey described Salam as “widely respected for his academic rigor, independent views, and commitment to justice and human rights.” His ability to navigate Lebanon’s fractured political landscape, coupled with his advocacy for accountability, makes him a beacon of hope for citizens demanding institutional reform.
Salam’s academic credentials include law and political science degrees from Harvard University and Sciences Po, reflecting his commitment to governance and rule of law. His career also includes a decade-long tenure as Lebanon’s ambassador to the United Nations, beginning in 2007.
Although Hezbollah and its ally Amal have opposed Salam’s appointment, other political factions have endorsed him, marking a significant political shift. Salam’s reputation as a reformist capable of combating corruption and inefficiency aligns with the aspirations of many Lebanese citizens for a transparent and accountable government.
Born in 1953, Salam follows in the footsteps of family members who have held high office, including his uncle Saeb Salam, a four-time Prime Minister, and his cousin Tammam Salam, who served from 2014 to 2016. His wife, Sahar Baassiri, is also a prominent diplomat.
In 2020, Lebanon’s capital was devastated by a massive explosion at Beirut port, intensifying demands for accountability and reform. Salam’s selection as Prime Minister reflects growing international and domestic pressure to address Lebanon’s long-standing issues, including economic collapse, political corruption, and recovery from the 2019 protests.
Salam’s tenure at the ICJ elevated his international standing. In 2023, he announced the court’s opinion that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories was illegal, calling for its rapid cessation. While the decision was non-binding, it resonated globally, highlighting Salam’s commitment to justice.
Ali Mrad, a Lebanese academic, sees Salam’s appointment as a turning point. “His reformist vision and firm stance on key issues could place Lebanon on the right path,” he said. Salam’s ability to transcend partisan divisions could pave the way for a more inclusive and accountable government.
The challenges ahead are immense, but Salam’s track record and international reputation have inspired hope that Lebanon may finally embark on the road to recovery.
