Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Wednesday called for the swift formation of a new government to accelerate post-war reconstruction efforts and implement long-overdue reforms, warning against delays fueled by political and sectarian rivalries.

“We must rise above all trivialities to facilitate the formation of a government so that work can begin,” Aoun said during meetings at the Baabda Presidential Palace.

Highlighting the urgency of rebuilding areas devastated by the recent Israeli war, Aoun stressed that forming a government was a crucial first step toward reconstruction and restoring public trust in state institutions.

“One of the primary objectives of a swift government formation is to accelerate the reconstruction of areas damaged during the recent Israeli war,” he said.

Aoun underscored the importance of aligning the new government with the aspirations of the Lebanese people while re-establishing ties with the international community.

“We have started rebuilding trust between the people and the state, and we hope to form a government as soon as possible that aligns with the aspirations of the people,” he said. “We must simultaneously build bridges of trust with the Arab and Western worlds.”

President Aoun reaffirmed his commitment to judicial independence, calling it essential for state-building.

“Without the judiciary, we would be living under the law of the jungle,” he said during a meeting with a delegation from the Constitutional Council, led by its President, Judge Tannous Mechleb.

“My goal is to build a state, not to engage in politics,” Aoun declared. “To build a state, we need the concerted efforts of all societal forces, starting with the judiciary.” He urged judges to prioritize public interest over personal gain, emphasizing that every position of responsibility is more than an honorary title.

“Judges must issue judgments with precision, conscience, and independence, always prioritizing the public interest,” Aoun said.

While acknowledging the interconnected challenges facing the region, Aoun pointed to opportunities for Lebanon’s recovery and growth.

“We are presented with opportunities that we cannot afford to lose,” he said. “We must seize these opportunities for Lebanon’s benefit and future.”

He also addressed the issue of youth emigration, emphasizing the need to create a future that encourages young Lebanese to stay.

“We must work for the future of our children so they do not emigrate,” he said, calling on all segments of Lebanese society to “shoulder their responsibilities.”

Reflecting on his tenure as army commander, Aoun highlighted the role of security and justice in fostering a climate conducive to investment.

“When I was leading the army, I was often asked about my political vision. My answer was always: If Lebanon has security and a robust judiciary, everything else will follow. Security and justice build trust, which in turn attracts investment,” he said.

President Aoun also met with Jean-Christophe Carret, the World Bank’s Regional Director for Middle East Operations, who congratulated him on his election. The two discussed projects funded by the World Bank in Lebanon, the cost of rebuilding war-damaged areas, and the broader economic toll of the conflict, based on World Bank statistics.

Aoun expressed gratitude for Carret’s readiness to support Lebanon in the next phase, particularly in launching overdue reforms.

“One of the most positive signals we can send to the world is the swift formation of a government,” Aoun said. “We must not allow sectarian, confessional, or narrow political obstacles to hinder its formation. Instead, we must rise above all trivialities to ensure the government is formed and that the wheels of progress can begin turning.”

“The position I hold is to serve the people, not for the people to serve me,” Aoun affirmed.