Prime Minister Nawaf Salam on Thursday marked 100 days since the formation of his government with a wide-ranging speech focused on restoring state authority, advancing economic and judicial reforms, and preparing for post-war reconstruction. 

Speaking from the Grand Serail in a televised speech, Salam said Lebanon could not achieve lasting stability “as long as Israeli aggression continues,” adding that the government remains committed to post-war reconstruction and the repatriation of Lebanese detainees held in Israeli prisons.

“The army has dismantled more than 500 military sites and weapons depots south of the Litani River,” Salam announced, underlining the government’s security efforts along the volatile southern border.

The prime minister also highlighted steps taken to reinforce state authority, vowing to maintain efforts aimed at achieving this goal. 

“We have enhanced the state’s presence, and I am confident you have begun to notice the difference, especially at the airport,” he said. 

Salam added that tighter airport security measures have already yielded immediate results, and that a plan to rehabilitate key roadways is underway alongside the removal of partisan banners and imagery.

“The state continues its action to restore its authority over the entire national territory and to have a monopoly on arms,” Salam assured.

He added that the government is working to ensure the safe return of displaced Syrians to their homeland, and that preparations for the upcoming parliamentary elections are moving forward.

“Lebanon stands at a critical juncture in its history,” Salam said. “It cannot remain disconnected from the broader regional landscape, and it cannot rise again without an economic vision rooted in structural reform of our financial and banking systems.”

Regarding relations with Syria, Salam said joint committees were being formed to tighten border control and facilitate the return of Syrian nationals to their country.

Salam also cited recent visits by Army Commander General Joseph Aoun to Arab countries as part of Lebanon’s effort to rebuild regional ties.

“Lebanon cannot get back on its feet without staying connected to its Arab surroundings,” he said, emphasizing that “real recovery hinges on genuine reforms and renewed trust with our Arab partners.”

On the economic front, he said the government had passed a long-delayed banking secrecy law, calling it “a burden that needed to be lifted.” 

“Our goal is to build a modern, healthy banking system.”

He noted that his government is finalizing the “financial gap law,” which he described as essential to recovering citizens’ frozen deposits.

“I reject the concept of writing off people’s deposits. That idea needs to be eliminated,” he stated.

“Our aim is to safeguard the banking sector and restore confidence so that it can once again serve national interests,” Salam said. “Our negotiations with the International Monetary Fund are advancing. The IMF is a tool that must be used wisely to serve the people, and we are working to reach an agreement during our current term.”

Turning to the judiciary, the prime minister said the cabinet had approved a long-awaited bill ensuring judicial independence, calling it vital for restoring public trust. He also revealed a government plan to address overcrowding and delays in the detention system, emphasizing that justice for all, including victims of the 2020 Beirut port blast, remains a priority.

“Our slogan is: Hands off the judiciary,” he declared.

Salam said there had been a marked improvement in healthcare services, and that reconstruction remains at the forefront of the government’s agenda.

“We secured a $250 million loan to support reconstruction and are advancing projects worth more than $350 million to boost education, health, and other sectors over the next four years.”