MP Salim Sayegh emphasized that the Kataeb Party has a stake in both the 24 ministers and the prime minister, stating that the party would diminish its role if it sought to claim a specific ministry as its own.

"The role of the Kataeb is measured by its influence, not its size," he said in an interview on LBCI.

Sayegh highlighted the party’s strong relationship with Justice Minister Adel Nassar, who has pledged to reopen all key files, starting with judicial appointments and the formation of the Higher Judicial Council, in an effort to restore the judiciary’s independence. He stressed the need to uphold the rule of law and protect the judiciary’s role in judicial appointments.

Sayegh also noted plans to rotate judicial positions to ensure that the financial prosecutor’s office and the Ministry of Finance are not monopolized by the Shiite community. This, he explained, aims to prevent the perception that the Shiite sect controls financial decision-making. While the idea of implementing rotational appointments across all sects exists, the final decision will rest with the government. He recalled how Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Rahi’s request to reclaim the position of General Security chief before General Abbas Ibrahim’s appointment was rejected.

"There will be ongoing discussions on the principle of rotating first-category positions. This matter is on the Cabinet’s agenda, and it is a good idea to implement rotation wisely in order to stabilize the country while preserving sectarian balance. This balance is not just about numerical equality but also about qualitative parity," he noted.

Sayegh explained that Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri holds the key to sectarian legitimacy as the representative of the Shiite Amal-Hezbollah duo, while also controlling constitutional interpretations as the head of the legislature. Meanwhile, the prime minister effectively governs in the absence of a president, as demonstrated during Najib Mikati’s tenure. He also highlighted the Lebanese Armed Forces' stabilizing role for Christians during the presidential vacuum and the governance crisis.

He emphasized that the Lebanese people expect real change from both the president and the government, rejecting a return to past practices. He criticized the previous methods of ministerial appointments, which led to government paralysis. He praised Nawaf Salam for breaking the mold in ministerial selections but acknowledged that post-war Shiite grievances led to their retention of the Finance Ministry.

"The Shiite issue was an exception," he said. "We are working to resolve it after addressing the resistance matter, which should no longer be a point of contention following the ceasefire agreement."

Sayegh argued that Lebanon’s golden era occurred when the president wielded full powers, enabling the country to flourish as the "Switzerland of the East." However, after Lebanon was weakened by sectarian conflicts, the Taif Agreement became the minimal compromise.

Turning to the ceasefire agreement with Israel, Sayegh called on the Quintet Committee to issue weekly statements on the implementation of the deal, rejecting Israel’s continued occupation of five disputed points along the border.

"There is no justification for Israel occupying any inch of our land unless there are annexes to the agreement that we are unaware of," he said.

Sayegh noted that if Israel persists in occupying Lebanese territory despite the army’s effective performance, Lebanon must leverage diplomatic channels and international agreements to secure an Israeli withdrawal. He praised Hezbollah for not linking the resumption of armed resistance to the five points, choosing instead to entrust the matter to the State, thereby avoiding both internal and external escalation.

"We will pressure Lebanon’s allies, particularly the United States, to fulfill their commitments under the agreement," he said.

He accused Israel of using its presence in the five points as leverage to push for Hezbollah’s disarmament.

"This is a form of land-for-weapons blackmail," he said. "The Quintet Committee should act as an arbiter and avoid linking these issues. Israel’s continued presence is a thorn in Lebanon’s side and a looming threat to stability, which could sow the seeds of another war."

Commenting on Berri’s recent remarks, Sayegh dismissed his claim that aid and reconstruction were not contingent on Hezbollah disarmament.

"Berri cannot evade responsibility for signing onto Resolution 1701, which explicitly calls for disarmament starting from the south," he said, arguing that Lebanon cannot backtrack on this commitment.

"Shiite leaders must take a historic stance they have yet to announce openly but only whisper about—namely, transitioning Hezbollah from an armed group into a political party and integrating its members into civil society," Sayegh added. He urged Berri to advocate for international support to facilitate this transition, citing global precedents where the UN financed similar efforts.

On President Joseph Aoun’s visit to Saudi Arabia, Sayegh emphasized the significance of the warm reception he received.

"The key takeaway is not just the joint Lebanese-Saudi statement but the visit itself, the gestures of goodwill from the crown prince, and the unprecedented way Aoun was treated," he said. "The statement suggests a willingness to re-engage with Lebanon, but this hinges on Lebanon restoring its sovereignty."

He stressed that Aoun presented tangible achievements, particularly in the south, where the army has maintained order without escalation, even during Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah’s funeral procession.

"We long for a Christian president with strong Arab and international backing," he said. "Lebanon is an integral part of the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. The presidential oath speech should restore trust in Lebanon’s role and mission, especially since Gulf states view Lebanon as central to Arab national security."

Sayegh welcomed efforts to secure Lebanon’s borders, urging authorities to dismantle and confiscate Captagon drug production facilities, which he claimed involve Hezbollah and elements of the deep state.

Regarding the Arab League summit in Cairo, he reaffirmed Lebanon’s commitment to peace under the Arab Peace Initiative.

"There can be no Middle East peace without Palestinian rights under the two-state solution," he said, adding that Arab states would present their roadmap to the U.S.

Sayegh also warned against Israeli territorial expansion, arguing that Israel’s security is only ensured by fragmenting the Arab order. He recalled the 2006 Lebanese national dialogue, where it was agreed that Palestinian weapons should be removed from refugee camps, and reiterated that the Lebanese state must assert control over all camps to prevent instability.

On the Syrian refugee crisis, Sayegh asserted that no Lebanese political faction intends to keep Syrians in Lebanon permanently.

"Their return is non-negotiable," he said, calling for UN cooperation to revoke refugee status for those no longer at risk. "Lebanon has shown exceptional hospitality, but there are vast safe areas in Syria. We must prioritize the Lebanese people."

He reaffirmed support for expanded administrative decentralization, highlighting that the Kataeb Party has worked extensively on a draft law currently under parliamentary review.

"Decentralization is a minimum demand," he said, adding that broader governance proposals should not delay reforms.

"The initiative lies with Parliament, not the president or the government," Sayegh concluded. "We must move forward without waiting for packaged political deals."