Lebanon PM names new government, vows 'reform'

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BEIRUT: Lebanon's premier named a new government Saturday (Feb 8) after the weakening of long-dominant Hezbollah following a war with Israel bringing a close to more than two years of caretaker authorities.

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said he hoped to head a "government of reform and salvation", pledging to rebuild trust with the international community after years of economic collapse blamed on corruption and mismanagement.

His new government faces the daunting task of implementing reforms needed to unlock funding from international donors after years of crisis, overseeing a fragile Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire and rebuilding the country.

"I hope this will be a government of reform and salvation," Salam said in a televised statement moments after his cabinet was announced.

His government will strive to "restore trust between citizens and the state, between Lebanon and its Arab surrounding, and between Lebanon and the international community," he said.

President Joseph Aoun signed a decree "to form a government of 24 ministers", the presidency said in a post on X.

Before the new government can exercise its powers, it needs to draft a ministerial statement that must be submitted to a confidence vote in parliament within 30 days.

Lebanon's 128-seat parliament is mostly dominated by traditional, sectarian-based parties.

The government will hold its first session on Tuesday morning, the presidency said in a post on X.

The Secretary-General of the Lebanese Cabinet, Mahmoud Makkieh speaks as he announces the names of the ministers following the formation of the new governement at the Presidential Palace in Baab...
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