Lebanon has turned to seasoned diplomat Nawaf Salam as its new prime minister, hoping his global expertise can steer the nation through turbulent times. 🌍 The 71-year-old International Court of Justice president secured 84 parliamentary votes this week, earning him the critical mandate to form a government.
Salam—a Harvard-educated legal scholar with two Sorbonne doctorates—brings serious credentials to the table. 🎓 His political roots run deep: His uncle and cousin both served as PMs, embedding him in Lebanon’s tradition of Sunni Muslim leadership for the role.
But the road ahead is rocky. Lebanon’s reeling from a 14-month conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, compounded by ‘deep economic woes’ that have left residents struggling. 💼 Salam’s UN ambassador experience (2007-2017) could prove vital in rebuilding international ties and securing aid.
President Joseph Aoun formally appointed Salam on Monday, though the PM-designate will start work Tuesday after returning from abroad. Observers wonder: Can this consensus candidate bridge Lebanon’s sectarian divides and deliver stability? 🤝
