Non-binding parliamentary consultations to form a new government began on Wednesday morning at the Parliament, as Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam is set to meet with MPs and political blocs throughout the day to gather their views on government priorities and potential ministerial appointments.

Absence of Shiite Duo 

The Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc and the Development and Liberation Bloc, representing the Shiite Amal-Hezbollah duo, have opted out of the consultations, according to local reports. Instead, a meeting between Speaker Nabih Berri and Salam is expected on Friday, with possible side discussions involving MPs from the two blocs.

Speaker Berri notably did not attend Parliament on Wednesday, continuing his regular schedule at his office. 

MP Qassem Hashem, representing the Development and Liberation Bloc, justified his bloc’s absence, describing the consultations as largely procedural.

“These consultations neither advance nor delay the government formation process,” Hashem said. “Our decision stems from a political stance based on recent developments and the outcomes of prior entitlements.”

Consultations 

Salam began the day by meeting Deputy Speaker Elias Bou Saab, who highlighted the challenges ahead while expressing cautious optimism.

“With the election of President Joseph Aoun and the designation of Salam, we’ve seen a glimmer of hope and opportunity,” Bou Saab said. “For this to materialize, we must act rationally and inclusively. Salam intends to approach the task in a non-traditional way. We have no demands but hope for a government that inspires confidence.”

He emphasized the importance of inclusivity, stating that the PM-designate Salam is open to engaging all parties and is committed to maintaining balance.

"The process must result in a government that garners confidence, combats corruption, and implements much-needed reforms—all without excluding anyone," he said.

Bou Saab underscored that the upcoming government would depart from the sectarian quota-sharing norms of the past, assuring that ongoing communication between Salam and Berri was progressing in a positive direction.

MP Mark Daou, speaking on behalf of the Change Alliance Bloc, stressed the need for a smaller, inclusive government.

“We are entering a new phase,” Daou said. “We call for a government free of partisan figures and electoral candidates, with fresh faces, including women. There must be no return to the tripartite formula. Weapons must be controlled and handed over. Today, there is a real opportunity to save the country.”

MP Taymour Jumblat, representing the Democratic Gathering Bloc, emphasized the importance of cooperation and dialogue.

“There is an opportunity to build a nation and a state,” Jumblat said after meeting Salam. “We urged all political stakeholders to ease pressures and demands to facilitate the formation process. Dialogue and communication with everyone are essential to building a functioning state.”

MP Ibrahim Kanaan, speaking on behalf of the Independent Consultative Gathering, emphasized the importance of having the political will to facilitate the success of both the presidency and the government.

"Nawaf Salam has expressed a desire to engage with everyone, and it is essential to set political calculations aside because saving the country is the priority," Kanaan said.

MP Sajih Attieh, representing the National Moderation Bloc, called for a government that reflects all components of the nation to ensure its effectiveness and success, in line with the vision of a new Lebanon. 

"We will participate in the government, and our motto is placing the right person in the right position. We have requested a ministerial portfolio and believe in Speaker Nabih Berri’s wisdom. A state cannot be built without the participation of everyone, and Salam is open to all options," Attieh stated.

MP Gebran Bassil said that the Strong Lebanon Bloc has not made any specific demands regarding the formation of the new government. However, he expressed readiness to assist in the process, advocating for a government that represents the parliamentary forces while ensuring it is staffed with qualified specialists. 

"We must rally around the Prime Minister-designate, as well as President Joseph Aoun. There is an opportunity for a new balance in the country, for real partnership, and for the necessary reforms. His appointment is not a defeat for anyone," he said. "We do not accept the exclusion or marginalization of anyone. We demand in the government’s policy statement the implementation of Resolution 1701, a ceasefire, and the extension of state authority over all Lebanese territory."

"We spoke about the urgent need for the return of Syrian refugees, maintaining equal relations with the Syrian state, and financial reforms through forensic auditing and restructuring the banking sector to return depositors' funds," Bassil stated. 

MP George Adwan, speaking on behalf of the Strong Republic Bloc, described the meeting with Salam as "constructive", saying that it was only natural for the discussions to be positive given the battle their bloc had fought.

"We want to establish the Third Republic that respects the principles of the constitution and the law. Our primary demand, before considering sizes and shares, is that the government's plan should be aligned with the president's inaugural speech," Adwan stressed. "We do not want to return to any previous equations, notably that of the 'Army, People, and Resistance.'"

"The state's authority should be extended over all its territories," he pointed out. "We must move away from national unity governments."

"We want to combat corruption, and we expect the issuance of an indictment in the Beirut port explosion case in the coming months. We will not accept any plan that erases depositors' money, and we want to restart negotiations with the IMF."

"The government must accurately reflect the representation of all Lebanese," he concluded. 

MP Tony Frangieh, speaking on behalf of the Independent National Bloc, stressed the need for a government that would include competent people who can meet the aspirations of this critical phase.

"For the first time, we are witnessing an optimistic wave in the country, and we must seize this opportunity. We will do everything we can to ensure the success of this presidential term and the government."

"We have not discussed any specific participation or other matters regarding the government. Nawaf Salam has the wisdom to not miss this opportunity and to rescue Lebanon. Communication between all components of the nation is essential, and the government requires the broadest possible consensus," he said.