Following the Lebanese government’s recent approval by the parliamentary council, which secured 69 out of 82 votes (the number of deputies present during the voting session), the administration is now faced with pressing issues. Chief among these is the consolidation of the authority to declare war and peace within the state’s jurisdiction, as well as the monopoly on arms.
The parliament reaffirmed its confidence in President Nawaf Salam’s government, despite concerns regarding its performance from various parliamentary factions. The government received support from 69 deputies, while 9 members from the “Strong Lebanon” bloc led by Deputy Gebran Bassil voted against it, and 4 opted to abstain. The session focused on three key topics concerning government policy:
the demand for the government to establish a timeline for unifying the country’s weaponry under state control, negotiations with American envoy Tom Barak regarding objections to limiting discussions to the three presidential leaders while excluding the councils of ministers and deputies, and the fate of depositors’ funds.
Parliamentary sources have indicated to local media that the vote of confidence sessions held significant implications, reflecting the emerging political and parliamentary framework in light of the major changes subsequent to the cessation of the Israeli war and its ramifications, as well as the election of the new president and formation of the government.
Thus concluded the government’s questioning session in the parliament. With a new chapter beginning, the majority of deputies reaffirmed their trust in the government, which represents a positive signal for both the administration and the presidency that seeks to achieve swift progress. According to observers, this renewed confidence provides the government with an additional impetus while also placing a greater responsibility on its shoulders, as it carries its renewed mandate both domestically and internationally.
Interestingly, President Salam’s response to the deputies’ remarks took on the form of an operational “ministerial statement,” filled with detailed clarifications regarding the points mentioned in the original ministerial declaration. In addressing the deputies’ interventions, Salam reiterated his full commitment to addressing the challenges facing Lebanon.