Lebanon's Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, convened on Thursday to discuss key reforms, including the adoption of a new mechanism for administrative appointments.

Speaking after the session, Salam reaffirmed his government's commitment to "building a state of law and institutions," emphasizing the need for a transparent public administration that serves citizens' interests with the highest standards of quality.

"There can be no state without an efficient administration," Salam said, adding that his government aims to ensure institutions and their leadership operate with integrity while prioritizing competence and merit over sectarian or regional considerations.

Salam outlined an appointment mechanism based on nine key principles: equal opportunity, diversity, inclusion, accountability, conflict-of-interest avoidance, flexibility, and participation, with a focus on incorporating diverse expertise, including input from academics.

"Our aim is to select the most qualified candidates through a fair and competitive process that offers equal opportunities for all," he said.

The prime minister also stressed that the mechanism guarantees equal sectarian representation in top-level positions without reserving any post for a particular sect. He underscored the importance of addressing the "random hiring practices" that have plagued the public sector in recent years.

"We have formed a committee to reform the public sector," Salam said, adding that the mechanism allows for appointments from both within and outside the civil service. He also encouraged second-category public employees to apply for first-category positions, asserting that "the state needs youthful energy."

Information Minister Paul Morcos said the Cabinet had preserved the role of ministers in the appointment process, explaining that the relevant minister would propose candidates from outside the civil service, while the final decision would rest with the Cabinet.

While initial media reports suggested that the Cabinet had endorsed a proposal by Education Minister Rima Karami to discontinue the Grade 9 official exams, Morcos clarified that no decision has been made yet and that the government has yet to discuss the matter.

"The Education Minister submitted a proposal outlining the reasons for discontinuing the Brevet certificate, but it has yet to be examined by the government," he noted.