Efforts to form a new Lebanese government have encountered unexpected hurdles as internal and foreign objections mount over the proposed appointment of former minister Yassine Jaber as finance minister. The delay has reignited political divisions, with key factions refusing to compromise over control of the crucial ministry.
Political tug-of-war over finance ministry
The Shiite duo of Hezbollah and the Amal Movement, led by Speaker Nabih Berri, remain firm in their demand to retain the finance ministry, a portfolio they have historically controlled. Berri has been pushing for Jaber’s nomination, but his candidacy has met resistance from both domestic political forces and international actors.
Informed sources cited by Asharq Al-Awsat revealed that objections to Jaber’s appointment stem from concerns among Western powers, particularly the United States. “The Americans do not trust him,” a source stated, suggesting that Washington views Jaber as too closely aligned with Hezbollah and its allies.
The Lebanese Forces (LF), one of the main Christian parties, has also taken a hard stance. The party has threatened to withhold the names of its ministerial nominees unless the Shiite duo abandons its insistence on controlling the finance ministry. This move further complicates the already fraught negotiations.
Prime minister-designate defends stance
Despite mounting pressure, Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam has maintained his position that the finance ministry should not be monopolised by any one sect. In repeated statements, he has emphasised his commitment to forming a government that aligns with Lebanon’s national interests and pressing reform agenda.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Salam rejected recent media reports on the stalled formation process, describing them as “rumours and speculation aimed at creating confusion.” He reaffirmed his determination to assemble a cabinet that meets the aspirations of the Lebanese people while ensuring governance based on fairness and competence.
Mounting frustration over delays
The Lebanese public, already grappling with economic collapse and governance failures, had been anticipating a swift resolution following earlier reports that major obstacles had been overcome. However, the fresh deadlock has dashed hopes of a quick breakthrough.
MP Walid al-Baarini, a member of the National Moderation Bloc, voiced frustration over the prolonged delay. “We have had enough. We have kept silent for days and given the PM-designate the chance to complete his consultations,” he stated.
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“But to give those who have repeatedly resorted to intimidation a greater say, while we, as representatives of Akkar, Tripoli, Miniyeh, Danniyeh, and the North, are ignored, then this is too much to bear and a violation of all red lines,” he added, referring to the longstanding political marginalisation of Lebanon’s northern regions.
Presidential intervention urged
With tensions mounting, Baarini urged President Joseph Aoun to step in and “correct the course” before political discontent escalates further. He warned that continued exclusion of certain regions from the decision-making process could lead to a broader revolt against what he described as “attempts to marginalise us.”
The current impasse comes at a critical juncture for Lebanon, which remains without a fully functioning government amid an economic crisis that has plunged millions into poverty. The continued political deadlock threatens to further delay much-needed reforms and international financial assistance.
As negotiations drag on, observers worry that Lebanon’s deep-seated sectarian and political divisions will once again hinder progress, prolonging instability and further diminishing public confidence in the country’s leaders.
