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Conflicting visions of the government and the constitution between the two Presidencies, are fueling political tension. At all occasions, Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam waves the flag of the Constitution as his guiding reference for forming a government. He reiterated this at the presidential palace in Baabda, asserting that the Constitution neither prohibits the appointment of party-affiliated ministers nor mandates it. This nuance has become a flashpoint for the ongoing standoff.
While President Joseph Aoun envisions a strong government composed of influential figures, Salam is pushing for a cabinet primarily made up of young advisors from ministries and institutions—individuals with limited political experience. This fundamental disagreement has led to a new deadlock in the government formation process.
In Baabda, the presidential trio was expected to mark the formal beginning of Aoun’s term. Meanwhile, Salam has been keen on establishing his constitutional standing from the outset. All indications pointed to an imminent announcement: the Secretary-General of the Council of Ministers, Mahmoud Makkiyah, had been summoned to release the list of ministers. However, Salam’s insistence on appointing Lamia Mbayyed as the fifth minister, against the wishes of the Shiite duo, led to friction. Speaker Nabih Berri voiced his opposition, exiting Baabda through a side door with a parting shot to Salam: "Form your Mbayyed government."
This dispute has not sat well with President Aoun. Salam could have shown flexibility to ease the formation process, but his vision remains at odds with that of the head of state. Since his designation, Salam has been working tirelessly on assembling his cabinet but has withheld the details from Aoun. Last week, the president urged him to expedite the process, setting a mid-week deadline. Salam arrived in Baabda with his files, but the final draft, featuring controversial names, failed to meet the expectations of the Shiite duo.
The divide runs deep: Aoun seeks a consensus government to ensure a smooth start to his term, while Salam is adamant about a technocratic team, free of political partisanship and without a "blocking third." Salam remains resolute, declaring he has no intention of stepping down from the formation process. Surrounded by close advisors, he is being encouraged to impose a fait accompli government to assert his constitutional powers and authority as Prime Minister.
At the presidential palace, there is growing impatience to settle Aoun’s presidency, now a month since his election. Without a government, the president cannot respond to international invitations or sign major agreements. Baabda fears a trap: a provocative cabinet that disregards national balances. Aoun refuses to endorse such a government, maintaining that no formation can proceed without his signature.
Salam has not consulted Aoun on the choice of ministers, and some names have been poorly received in Baabda. Aoun, adopting a low-profile approach, has sent subtle messages to the Prime Minister-designate. Yet Salam continues to rely on the Constitution to justify his choices. Some interpret this as Salam’s attempt to consolidate power, positioning himself as the true political head of his government.
The presidency has unspoken reservations about this cabinet lineup. The power struggle could extend to discussions on the ministerial statement and Cabinet sessions. Salam insists on his right to preside over meetings without the mandatory presence of the president, challenging traditional norms.
Observers predict intense debates ahead regarding the respective prerogatives of the presidency and the premiership. Salam, backed by figures like former Prime Minister Fouad Siniora and Minister Tarek Mitri—who is set to become his deputy—aims to strengthen the constitutional role of the Prime Minister’s office.
Beyond the mere formation of the government, Salam seeks to affirm his authority by assembling a team aligned with his vision and policy agenda. Baabda hopes this agenda will reflect the president’s inaugural address, but Salam’s approach suggests a different direction—one that could redefine the dynamics between the executive branches on both national and international stages.