Kataeb MP Salim Sayegh has pushed back against growing opposition to political parties in Lebanese government formation, arguing that partisan ministers remain more accountable than technocrats and play a crucial role in governance.

In an interview with Annahar, Sayegh criticized the widespread rejection of party-affiliated figures in recent governments, saying it was a trend that had been reluctantly accepted by political leaders to ease the formation process. However, he warned that this exclusion was based on a flawed perception that all party figures are corrupt.

“A party-affiliated minister is accountable to both his party and the public based on his performance in office,” Sayegh said. “This means the minister carries a double responsibility, unlike technocrats who, in practice, remain loyal to the political forces that appointed them.”

Sayegh pointed out that despite the push for non-partisan governance, political parties remain central to decision-making in Lebanon. He cited the nomination of Army Commander Joseph Aoun for the presidency and the appointment of Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam as key examples, arguing that these were not merely the result of external agreements but also driven by domestic political party dynamics.

“In stable and democratic countries, political parties are the backbone of governance,” he said. “Lebanon is no different. The idea that ministers must be exclusively technocrats is a misguided belief.”

Sayegh also highlighted his own tenure as a minister, emphasizing that he served with transparency and national responsibility, as did many other party-affiliated ministers.

Addressing criticism from reformist groups that emerged after the October 17 uprising, Sayegh argued that many of these figures have now formed political parties themselves and are working to expand their parliamentary presence.

“These groups accuse traditional parties of corruption, yet they are now following the same path by creating their own parties and seeking more seats in Parliament,” he noted.

He added that while some party-affiliated ministers in the past had engaged in corruption, others had served with integrity.

“Corruption is not exclusive to party members,” he said. “It ultimately depends on the individual’s character and ethics, not their political affiliation.”

Sayegh also noted that Hezbollah had shifted its approach to ministerial appointments, refraining from directly naming party members to avoid international sanctions. Instead, the group has selected closely affiliated figures who remain loyal to its leadership.

At the same time, he said, no so-called technocratic ministry operates independently.

“Every ministry has political operatives embedded in its offices, influencing decisions behind the scenes,” he explained.

As Lebanon navigates yet another complex government formation process, Sayegh maintained that political parties remain essential to the system.

“While we have agreed to reduce the presence of party figures in government to ease the process, this should not be seen as an admission that partisan ministers are unfit to govern,” he said. “The reality is that without political parties, no government can be formed.”

With opposition groups pushing for a larger role in the next cabinet, Sayegh reminded them of a key political reality: “No minister can assume office without securing the confidence of party-backed MPs in Parliament.”