Dispute Over Fifth Shiite Minister Delays Lebanese Government Formation
Last-minute disagreements have stalled the announcement of Lebanon's new government, primarily due to Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri's insistence on naming all Shiite ministers.
Berri objected to Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam's proposed candidate for the fifth Shiite minister, delaying what had seemed to be an imminent government formation.
Optimism had been high, particularly with Salam's visit to the presidential palace, where he met with President Joseph Aoun. In a customary pre-announcement step, Berri also joined them, signaling that the cabinet lineup was close to finalization.
However, the dispute over the identity of the fifth Shiite minister disrupted the positive momentum surrounding the talks. Sources indicated that Berri's insistence on allowing the Hezbollah-Amal alliance to name the minister ultimately derailed the process.
On Thursday afternoon, a meeting was held at the presidential palace, bringing together Aoun, Berri and Salam. The secretary-general of the Council of Ministers, Mahmoud Makiya, was also summoned, further fueling speculation that the government's announcement was imminent. However, after more than 90 minutes of closed-door discussions, Berri abruptly exited the palace through a back entrance, followed shortly by Salam, who left without making any public statement.
Reports suggest that Salam proposed Lamia Moubayed for the Ministry of Administrative Development, but Berri rejected the nomination. In response, Berri put forward Judge Abdel Nasser Rida as an alternative, only for Salam to refuse his selection as well. The deadlock over this appointment remains a significant obstacle, with Aoun reportedly trying to mediate to reach a solution.
The impasse has sparked criticism from opposition figures. MP Ghayath Yazbeck of the Lebanese Forces commented on X (formerly Twitter), stating that Berri's actions at Baabda Palace provided a concerning preview of how the Hezbollah-Amal alliance would behave in the new government.
He accused the alliance of maintaining its obstructionist approach: 'Either they impose their will, or they block the process. If the president and the prime minister-designate are waiting for them to change their ways, they will be waiting indefinitely—meanwhile, the state remains paralyzed.'
Adding to the pressure, Reuters reported that an American envoy is expected to deliver a stern warning to Lebanon's leaders during an upcoming visit to Beirut.
Citing US officials and regional diplomatic sources, the report stated that Washington will not accept unchecked Hezbollah influence over the government formation process. The message will reportedly warn that Lebanon risks further isolation and economic collapse unless it forms a reform-oriented government committed to combating corruption and curbing Hezbollah's power.
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