Experience in Lebanon has shown that no government has ever fully implemented the commitments outlined in its ministerial statement. Some administrations have even sidelined this document, overwhelmed by urgent crises that diverted them from their initial roadmap. And when measures were implemented, they were often on a limited scale. The primary reason for this lies in the short lifespan of Lebanese governments, weakened by the nature of the system and a political and sectarian structure that is always complex and sometimes unstable.

This reality resurfaces as Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s government is on the verge of securing parliamentary confidence, marking the beginning of a real test—if not a challenge: implementing the commitments of its ministerial statement, which were the result of a consensus among its components and the political forces supporting it. Will it manage to break the tradition of successive government ruptures and finally establish the principle of state continuity? Ideally, the next government would build on the progress made without having to start from scratch—a scenario all too common, even within ministries, where new ministers often undo the work of their predecessors.

The tone and content of the ministerial statement clearly indicate that Salam’s government is serious about its commitments despite its short mandate. It benefits from Arab and international support, which encourages and protects it, as shown by the speed of its formation—an exceptional occurrence in a country were forming a government often takes months, if not over a year. However, there is a general consensus that, despite the scope and ambition of its program, this government will have to focus primarily on essential and urgent issues. Fully implementing its commitments would require years, while its mandate will last only about a year and three months—an expiration date that coincides with the parliamentary elections scheduled for spring 2026.

Salam Government’s Priorities

The government must prioritize the following key issues:

Implementation of Resolution 1701 and Territorial Sovereignty. Lebanon must continue its commitment to implementing UN Resolution 1701 in the south by making every effort to reclaim remaining occupied territories and secure its borders. It must also reaffirm the borders drawn in 1923 and adhere to the armistice agreement of March 1949, without venturing into new agreements with Israel, the consequences of which Lebanon cannot afford.

State Monopoly on Arms and National Defense: Establishing a national defense strategy that grants the state exclusive authority over war and peace decisions is crucial. Strengthening the capabilities of the Lebanese army—considered the backbone of internal security and border defense—is also a priority.

Reconstruction of the Infrastructure Destroyed by Israel: The government must launch a large-scale reconstruction initiative for the infrastructure damaged during Israel’s latest war on Lebanon. This will require mobilizing financial resources from Arab and international donors, with cost estimates ranging between $8 billion and $14 billion.

Financial and Banking Crisis: Restoring financial and monetary stability, managing internal and external debt, and resolving the issue of bank deposits are among the most pressing challenges. Restructuring the banking sector, which has lost both domestic and international trust, is also a critical priority.

Municipal and Parliamentary Elections: The government must oversee municipal and local elections scheduled for this spring, as well as the general parliamentary elections in spring 2026. It must also push for a new electoral law in line with the Taif Agreement, adopting a proportional representation system that ensures fair, comprehensive, and effective representation of all segments of society.

Full Implementation of the Taif Agreement: This includes developing a plan to abolish political sectarianism, as stipulated in Article 95 of the Constitution, creating a Senate, adopting expanded administrative decentralization, and correcting the misapplications of the agreement, which have led to loopholes and practices that threaten to undermine it—just as happened with the 1943 National Pact.

An Ambition Confronted with Reality

These are enormous challenges, and it remains uncertain whether Salam’s government can address them effectively. If successful, it could lead to a significant transformation in a country eager for reform and reconstruction on all levels. The stated intentions are promising, and there is hope that the impossible might become possible. However, as always, the true test lies in execution. Past experiences have often been discouraging, as the political elite has consistently prioritized its own interests over national concerns.

Nevertheless, one factor may alter the course of events: Lebanon is in a state of collapse, and the "cash cow" that the state once represented for the ruling elite has dried up. International donors have ceased financial aid that has been squandered by mismanagement and corruption.

For some observers, the absence of ministers from traditional political parties or those seeking future parliamentary or ministerial positions is a positive sign. However, the real test will be the government's ability to deliver concrete results and put an end to the stagnation that has plagued the country. Since 2019, when the major economic collapse began, Lebanon has been stuck in an ongoing crisis. The few, timid solutions implemented so far have only mitigated some of the consequences and prevented the country from sliding into a new civil war.

A Path Filled with Obstacles

The challenges facing Salam’s government are immense. Some believe that its formation, which deviates from past norms, reflects the profound transformations occurring both domestically and regionally. The question remains: will it be able to navigate this political minefield without self-destructing?

Lebanon has often paid the price for regional conflicts, serving as a battleground for proxy wars. During the funerals of Hezbollah’s two successive Secretary-Generals, Hassan Nasrallah and Hashem Safieddine, President Joseph Aoun reportedly told the Iranian delegation present that Lebanon was exhausted by these wars. His remarks served as a warning about the dangers of further destabilization and underscored the urgent need to break the cycle of perpetual conflict.