Prime Minister Nawaf Salam delivered a speech in Parliament on Wednesday, responding to lawmakers’ remarks following a two-day session aimed at reviewing his government’s performance. He pledged continued commitment to reform, transparency, and the restoration of state authority amid mounting internal and external pressures.

“I, along with my fellow ministers, listened carefully to all the honorable members of Parliament,” Salam said. “We thank them for following the government’s work and for the commitment many have shown to its success. We heard their observations and criticisms, which we will take seriously. Some went too far in passing judgments, but there’s no doubt we bear a great responsibility, and we are determined to shoulder it.”

Salam acknowledged that the government’s work has been hindered by deep-rooted challenges, noting that its reform-focused agenda is facing resistance from within the system.

“Let us remember this government’s lifespan is measured in months, not years,” he said. “We are trying to rebuild state institutions that had reached a level of illusion, if not a total lack of will.”

He admitted that the path toward fulfilling the government’s promises, restoring public trust, and securing the rights of Lebanese citizens is being obstructed by considerable pressure. Still, he reaffirmed the government’s resolve.

“We renew our commitment to reform and recovery, and we will spare no effort to ensure Israel’s withdrawal and to put an end to its aggressions. We count on your support, for Lebanon and in service of all its citizens.”

Salam underscored that the principles laid out in President Joseph Aoun's inaugural speech and the ministerial policy statement are not mere declarations of intent but firm commitments.

“Extending state authority across the entirety of Lebanese territory and implementing arrangements to cease hostilities are intertwined responsibilities that serve the national interest and restore sovereignty,” he said.

He praised the Lebanese Army for its efforts in establishing state control, particularly in southern Lebanon.

“Let me remind you that the cessation of hostilities begins south of the Litani River. The government is committed to halting Israeli aggression and, at the same time, to asserting Lebanese sovereignty. This will be a phased process, and we are working toward long-term goals.”

Addressing criticism of the government’s decision-making, Salam dismissed suggestions of external pressure or unconstitutional behavior.

“We don’t need to be reminded of the Constitution; we know it well, especially the role of the Council of Ministers,” he said. “As for the word ‘dictates,’ I don’t know what was meant by that. We are fully committed to the sovereignty of our decision-making.”

Salam also highlighted recent public sector appointments, saying they were guided by clear, transparent mechanisms.

“We have completed a number of appointments and are continuing this vital process to empower public administration and help pull Lebanon out of its deep crisis,” he said. “We have adopted a selection mechanism known to you, allowing us to appoint the most qualified candidates, based on clear criteria and free from conflicts of interest.”

Responding to lawmakers’ questions about Syrian refugees, Salam announced that the government had finalized a comprehensive repatriation strategy.

“We have completed a full plan for the return of displaced Syrians, which we have labeled safe and sustainable,” he said. “Under the plan adopted by the Council of Ministers on June 16, the names of returnees will be removed from official registries, thereby stripping them of the status they had held in recent years.”

He stressed that this marks the first government-backed plan since 2014 that adheres to the Constitution and places Lebanon’s national interest first.

Salam said that depositors’ rights remain a top government priority, responding to lawmakers who raised concerns about stalled repayments.

“We are fully aware that restoring those rights requires greater transparency in the banking sector. That’s why we’ve prepared draft laws that will be submitted to your Council,” he said.

On the energy crisis, Salam rejected claims that the government lacks a clear plan.

“We are moving forward on three parallel tracks: first, building new power plants. The government has decided to stop accumulating fuel and is working to remove illegal connections to the electricity grid,” he said.

He also outlined efforts to bring order to Lebanon’s disjointed waste management system, announcing that the Environment Ministry is working to appoint a national authority to oversee solid waste management.

Addressing media freedom, Salam said the government has respected journalistic rights.

“Since this government was formed, not a single journalist has been arrested. Other cases are being referred to the Publications Court, as required by law,” he said.

He declined to comment on ongoing court cases but stressed the importance of judicial independence.

“I won’t discuss judicial files under review, but I must reiterate a core legal principle: the presumption of innocence. I also reaffirm, though it may be redundant, that judicial appointments were made away from political bargaining,” he said. “My hope is that we respect the judiciary and the law, and keep them outside political squabbles.”

In closing, Salam welcomed MPs’ feedback, saying it would serve as motivation for his government.

“Your questions and concerns will push us to do more. We are committed to fulfilling our promises and will not shy away from doing so.”