Prime Minister, Nawaf Salam, on Tuesday presented the ministerial statement before Parliament, reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting Lebanese freedoms, security, and fundamental rights.
Salam emphasized that the government would strive to live up to its name as the “Reform and Rescue Government”, with its primary objective being the establishment of the rule of law, institutional reform, and the reinforcement of national sovereignty.
Salam highlighted the need for reconstruction following the recent aggression on Lebanon, pledging to mobilize support and allocate funding through a dedicated reconstruction fund.
The PM also reiterated the government’s commitment to taking all necessary measures to liberate Lebanese territories from Israeli occupation and to uphold state sovereignty using only national institutions.
Addressing governance and political reforms, Salam underscored the importance of neutrality in state policy and transparency in election organization and results. He affirmed that municipal, local, and parliamentary elections would be held on time, while also advocating for a modernized and digitally advanced public sector.
“We want a state that holds the exclusive authority over war and peace decisions, a state loyal to the constitution and national accord, ensuring the implementation of remaining unfulfilled provisions,” Salam stated.
The PM further pledged that government appointments would be based on merit and competence, while judicial, administrative, and financial institutions would be reformed to meet the highest international standards of justice and accountability.
On the economic front, Salam announced plans to negotiate a new program with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and address Lebanon’s public debt and financial distress. He also stressed the urgency of judicial appointments to advance the Beirut Port explosion investigation and promised efforts to digitize court systems, streamline citizen access to legal services, and enforce the law on forcibly disappeared persons. Additionally, the PM reaffirmed the government’s commitment to pursuing the case of missing Imam Moussa al-Sadr, investigating political assassinations, and addressing the plight of Lebanese prisoners in Israeli jails.
Regarding financial stability, Salam assured that depositors’ funds remain a priority and that measures would be taken in accordance with the highest international standards to safeguard their rights.
The PM also outlined infrastructure and social welfare initiatives, including plans to develop Lebanon’s transportation sector, upgrade Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport and Beirut Port, and operationalize Qlayaat Airport. The government, he said, is committed to establishing a comprehensive social protection system and ensuring the return of displaced persons.
On the Palestinian issue, Salam firmly rejected the permanent resettlement of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, reiterating their right to return to their homeland.
The prime minister concluded by affirming the government’s commitment to strict enforcement of laws governing maritime and riverfront properties and vowed to continue efforts to resume oil and gas exploration.
Over 70 members of the parliament are delivering short speeches which tackle the ministerial statement in addition to general issues.
Source: NNA
