International
Nawaf Salam appointed Lebanon’s prime minister amid calls for reform
Lebanon has named Nawaf Salam, a prominent international judge and reform advocate, as its new prime minister, marking a significant political shift in the crisis-stricken nation.
Salam, 71, was formerly a presiding judge at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague and hails from a notable political family in Beirut. Known for his independence and commitment to justice, Salam’s appointment has raised hopes for long-awaited reforms in Lebanon, where political infighting has paralyzed governance for years.
Nawaf Salam had been proposed as a prime ministerial candidate on several occasions in the past, but strong opposition from Hezbollah, the Iran-backed political and military group, thwarted his nomination. This time, his appointment was facilitated by Hezbollah’s weakened position following a recent war with Israel and the erosion of its influence due to the loss of key allies, including Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Newly elected President Joseph Aoun tasked Salam on Monday with forming a government, despite objections from Hezbollah and its ally, the Amal Movement. For the first time, other political factions, previously aligned with the Shiite coalition, endorsed Salam’s candidacy.
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Lebanese analyst Imed Salamey described Salam as “widely respected for his academic rigor, independent views, and commitment to justice and human rights. His ability to maintain equal distance from Lebanon’s divided parties, while embodying principles of justice and governance, makes him a symbol of hope for a more accountable and inclusive future.”
Salam’s rise comes during a critical period for Lebanon. The country has faced unprecedented economic collapse since 2019, compounded by mass protests, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the devastating Beirut port explosion in 2020.
Born in Beirut in 1953, Salam holds degrees in law and political science from Harvard University and Sciences Po in France. He served as Lebanon’s ambassador to the United Nations from 2007 to 2017 under the premiership of anti-Hezbollah politician Fuad Siniora. Salam later became the president of the ICJ in February 2024, where his work on international justice and accountability further solidified his reformist reputation.
Salam has been outspoken on key global issues. In July 2024, he announced an ICJ ruling declaring Israel’s presence in Palestinian territories “illegal” and called for an end to “its unlawful presence as rapidly as possible.” While the ruling was non-binding, it drew international attention amid the destruction caused by the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
Lebanese university professor Ali Mrad noted that Salam’s appointment reflects “the real changes that Lebanon is experiencing.” Mrad added, “Choosing a premier with international values, reformist qualities, and a principled stance on the Palestinian issue could set Lebanon on the right path.”
Salam’s political legacy is intertwined with his family’s. His uncle Saeb Salam served as prime minister four times between 1952 and 1973, while his cousin Tammam Salam held the position from 2014 to 2016. His wife, Sahar Baassiri, is a former Lebanese envoy to UNESCO in Paris.
With Lebanon facing immense challenges, Salam’s appointment as prime minister is seen as a pivotal step toward restoring governance and addressing the nation’s deep-seated crises.
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