Justice Minister Adel Nassar said Monday that the Lebanese people will ultimately judge the government’s performance, as he outlined a series of steps aimed at restoring trust in the judiciary, promoting transparency, and tackling long-standing issues such as illicit weapons and judicial independence.

In an interview on LBCI, Nassar said the Cabinet has approved a mechanism for key appointments, clarified its position on the monopoly of arms, and taken measures against illegal maritime properties. On the judicial front, he pointed to progress in the Beirut port blast investigation and in probes related to alleged bribery, stressing that “the judiciary is quietly and honestly fulfilling its duties while upholding the principle of innocence until proven guilty.”

Nassar also addressed the recent Cabinet session that led to the appointment of a new Central Bank governor—a move that stirred controversy.

“There were sincere efforts to postpone the vote to allow for more discussion,” he said. “But those efforts didn’t reach the desired outcome. The session went ahead, and the governor was appointed following a formal vote.”

Nassar said the issue of non-state weapons remains a major challenge but noted that gradual progress is being made.

“We proposed a clear timeline to bring all weapons under state control, and we were informed that arms are being surrendered,” he said. “The army has already begun the process of securing them.”

He added, “Weapons harm everyone, including those who possess them. They haven’t solved our problems—they’ve only made them worse.”

Nassar echoed recent remarks by Kataeb Party leader Samy Gemayel, who called for a national truth and reconciliation process.

“This isn’t just about dialogue,” Nassar said. “It’s about taking real action—starting with disarmament, ending the allegiance of Lebanese factions to foreign states, and engaging in mutual recognition of past mistakes.”

Outlining his strategy for the Ministry of Justice, Nassar acknowledged shortcomings in the judicial system but said that, despite challenges, most judges continue to serve with professionalism.

“My goal is to rebuild public trust in the judiciary,” he said. “I hope we reach a point where citizens respect and admire their judges as much as they do their army.”

He said judicial appointments are moving forward, and that he is working to prevent obstruction in the investigation into the 2020 Beirut port blast. A draft law aimed at securing judicial independence will be submitted to the Cabinet within the week, along with proposals for a judicial reshuffle.

“Judicial independence used to be just a slogan,” he said. “Now, we want to enshrine it in law—ensuring that the judiciary operates without interference and that it draws its legitimacy from the judges themselves.”

Commenting on the slow-moving probe into the August 4, 2020 Beirut port explosion, which killed more than 200 people, Nassar said the judiciary continues to bear the weight of Lebanon’s major crises.

“Every major disaster in this country eventually lands on the judiciary,” he said. “The port blast was one of the most devastating events we’ve experienced. The victims’ families have every right to know the truth.”

He warned that any attempt to derail the investigation is an attempt to undermine the state itself.

“The continuation of the probe is essential—both to serve justice and to lay the foundations for a functioning state,” he said.

Nassar emphasized that the Justice Minister has no authority to make promises regarding the investigation and insisted that there has been no interference in the work of lead investigator Judge Tarek Bitar.

“If anyone tries to interfere, it will be made public,” he said.

Asked when the long-awaited indictment might be issued, Nassar said that decision lies entirely with the judge. “He knows the whole country is watching, but that doesn’t mean he should rush,” he added.

Nassar concluded by saying the ministry is also working on reforms including digitizing the commercial registry and accelerating court proceedings.

“We are committed to advancing on all fronts, despite the challenges,” he said. “We want to build a justice system that the Lebanese people can believe in again.”