Prime Minister Nawaf Salam is preparing for a major political test as his government moves to fill key security, financial, judicial, and diplomatic positions in the coming weeks. The appointments, which are expected to be finalized within a month, will be closely watched as a measure of the government's ability to implement reforms and strengthen state institutions.

Salam has placed particular importance on ensuring that the appointments are based on merit rather than political bargaining. He is set to present a detailed outline of his approach during a Cabinet session on Thursday, where he will emphasize his commitment to selecting the most qualified candidates. To ensure transparency, he has tasked Minister of Administrative Development Fadi Makki and the Civil Service Board with preparing a mechanism to shortlist candidates based on competence. While ministers will be allowed to propose names, all nominations must go through this structured process.

Security Appointments Take Priority

The most pressing appointments involve Lebanon’s security agencies, including the leadership of the Lebanese Armed Forces, General Security, State Security, Internal Security Forces, and Customs. Coordination with President Joseph Aoun is expected to prevent any major disputes over military appointments. However, broader political and parliamentary reactions remain uncertain, particularly regarding leadership changes in General Security and Internal Security Forces, where sectarian considerations typically play a role.

While President Aoun is expected to have the final say on the next army commander, debate continues over the leadership of General Security, traditionally led by a Shiite officer, and the Internal Security Forces, which has been headed by a Sunni figure. The future of Major General Imad Othman as head of the Internal Security Forces remains uncertain.

Financial and Judicial Appointments Under Scrutiny

Beyond security positions, the government is also expected to make appointments in Lebanon’s financial institutions, starting with the Central Bank governor and extending to key roles in financial oversight bodies, including the Financial Prosecutor’s Office.

Judicial appointments are also on the agenda, though it remains unclear whether the government will focus solely on filling existing vacancies or make broader changes to the judiciary’s leadership. Some within the judicial sector argue that bringing in new figures would help restore credibility and reduce divisions within the system.

The judiciary remains split over how to proceed. One camp supports keeping current officials who have not yet reached retirement age, while another calls for a complete overhaul to ensure fresh leadership in key judicial positions.

Given the significance of these institutions in restoring government functionality, Salam is pushing to finalize security, financial, and judicial appointments as soon as possible.

Diplomatic Reshuffle Underway

The government is also working on diplomatic reshuffles, with Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji already initiating discussions on ambassadorial posts. It remains unclear whether the government will appoint new ambassadors from outside the existing diplomatic corps.

Salam Insists on Transparency

In comments to Annahar, Salam stressed that he would only approve appointments based on a clear and transparent selection mechanism. While acknowledging that administrative positions differ from military appointments, he insisted that “only the most qualified and competent individuals will be appointed.”

“If we want to build effective and productive institutions, we must appoint the most capable people,” he said. 

This commitment extends to regulatory bodies overseeing Lebanon’s electricity, telecommunications, and aviation sectors, which he sees as essential to economic recovery and improving public services.

Municipal Elections and Reform Commitments

Salam has also noted a strong sense of responsibility among ministers, recognizing the urgent need to address Lebanon’s growing economic and administrative challenges. With mounting public pressure, he has called on the government to accelerate decision-making and improve service delivery.

The prime minister has expressed confidence in Interior Minister Ahmad Hajjar’s preparations for municipal elections, which are set to take place in four phases beginning on May 4. He reaffirmed that neither he nor President Aoun has any intention of postponing the elections, warning that failure to hold them on time would damage the government’s credibility.

The international community is also closely monitoring the government’s handling of reforms, particularly in the energy, telecommunications, and public works sectors. Salam has made clear that major projects in these fields cannot move forward without appointing members to regulatory authorities. However, he has also insisted that these appointments meet strict professional and ethical standards, as many state institutions have become synonymous with corruption, bribery, and customs fraud.

With mounting pressure both domestically and internationally, the coming weeks will be a crucial test for Salam’s government as it attempts to implement long-awaited reforms and restore public trust in state institutions.