Special Report: Lebanon’s Government Approves the Plan
March 1, 2025Lebanon is on the brink of REAL CHANGE.
This week the Lebanese parliament overwhelmingly endorsed the Government of Nawaf Salam and the ministerial statement he presented in Parliament on Tuesday 25th February. Surprinsingly, even the Hezbollah bloc gave Salam a vote of confidence paving the way for much needed reforms and national security measures that will reaffirm the state’s control over its territory and will augur the end of any group or paramilitary force bearing arms other than the Lebanese Army and security forces, including the Resistance.
Of course, the measure of this will be in implementing these reforms but at least for now the government has been given a resounding green light by 95 of the 128 Members of Parliament.
Watch the full report to get updated on the mission laid out by PM Salam for Lebanon and comments by Minister of Social Affairs, Haneed Sayed, and independent MP, Paula Yacoubian on the women’s political participation and liberalising the media.
English Script:
[Daizy On-Camera] Good afternoon from outside the Lebanese Parliament in Beirut, where lawmakers have convened over the past two days to hear the inaugural policy address of Lebanon’s Prime Minister, Nawaf Salam.
DAIZY VO: In his address to the 128 members of Parliament, Prime Minister Salam secured a resounding vote of confidence to implement his ambitious agenda, which centers on strengthening national security, implementing far-reaching reforms, and addressing a wide range of pressing challenges.
[Daizy On-Camera] If this government succeeds in meeting at least some of its objectives, particularly restoring security of the borders and restoring exclusive authority over the right to bear arms to the Lebanese Army, which means the end to the Hezbollah Party’s paramilitary arm, it will be a resounding victory for Lebanon. And if the recommended reforms are implemented it will signal the beginning of the end of sectarianism and the corrupt clientelist system that has long crippled the nation.
DAIZY VO: Over the two-day parliamentary session, more than 75 members of Parliament registered to respond to the Prime Minister’s address, with the vast majority publicly endorsing the ministerial statement, including the Hezbollah bloc which augurs well for change in Lebanon.Head of the Hezbollah bloc in parliament, Minister Mohammad Raad, stated that whilst they have some reservations, the party and bloc would: “go beyond what has been said about the formation of the government and we will cooperate with the cabinet.”
One of the major political blocs that rejected the Prime Minister’s agenda was the Free Patriotic Movement party of Gebran Bassil, whose party failed to secure any representation in the new Government formation. Bassil in his address in parliament said the party would not endorse the government because it “did not deserve it”, stating that PM Salam “did not respect the prior agreement he made with me the day prior his appointment.”
[Daizy On-Camera] What was missing from the ministerial statement was a clear endorsement on the role of women in political decision-making and no mention was made on liberalising or reforming the media which remains heavily controlled by sectarian interests.
Daizy VO: When pressed on the issue of women’s representation, the newly appointed Minister of Social Affairs, Haneen Sayed and Independent MP Paula Yacoubian were confident the PM and the cabinet would not neglect women.
Haneen Sayed to camera: Thank you for this opportunity, Daizy. There’s a solid paragraph of four lines, five lines in the ministerial statement on women and the inclusion of women in economic, social, political. Now you have to see it in the context of the ministerial statement. The Prime Minister did not want a very detailed one for all the sectors and all the issues because this is not the cabinet program in details. Now, every ministry has to develop its plan and the like. And I know that the Prime Minister and many of the ministers are very committed. And we’re going to push this agenda.
Paula Yaacoubian: What I know is that now, Nawaf Salam wanted to have at least eight women in his government, the parties did not help. And he couldn’t reach that number. But we have five amazing women. Very good women, you know, in this government. and for once Daizy, we have a glimpse of hope
Daizy: What about the media? You’re one of the most prominent former media personalities. Nothing was addressed about the reforming of the media, which we know is very sectarian based.
Paula: Everything needs reform. The media is not only sectarian. That’s not the main problem of the media. The media is today with no funding. So they have to go and take money from, unfortunately from the mafia, from the Mafia. So the Mafia is funding most of the media outlets today in Lebanon. One person is funding, one bankster.
Daizy: Who’s that? Antoun Sehnaoui?
Paula: Antoun Sehnaoui, see. And this is why you only hear, you know, one side of the story there is so much to do on all levels. You cannot tackle everything in just one ministerial statement, that’s for sure.
Daizy: And generally then, how are you feeling about this new government?
Paula: I feel good about the president, Joseph Aoun and Nawaf Salam. Both of them are not part of the corrupt junta. They were never part of any deals that happened in Lebanon. For once we have hope that a clean person is running the show.
Daizy: Here are the highlights of the Prime Ministers’ speech.
Daizy VO: Prime Minister Salam began by asserting the government’s unity and determination to defend Lebanon’s sovereignty, maintain the country’s territorial integrity, and protect citizens’ fundamental rights. He underlined the administration’s resolve to lift Lebanon out of its current crises, rebuild what has been destroyed, and restore public confidence in the state.
He acknowledged the recent devastation caused by Israeli aggression, stressing the importance of national solidarity and cooperation. A transparent fund will be established to expedite the reconstruction of damaged areas, ensure adequate compensation for those affected, and mobilize support from Arab and international partners.According to the Prime Minister, Lebanon’s top priority is to establish a state governed by the rule of law. This includes strengthening public institutions, rebuilding them where necessary, and restoring citizens’ trust through reforms in key factors.
Daizy (Voice Over): The Prime Minister reiterated Lebanon’s commitment to national security, vowing to fully implement UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and related resolutions. He emphasized the government’s plan to deploy the Lebanese Army to defend borders and extend state authority across all Lebanese territory. The government will also adopt a national security strategy encompassing military, diplomatic, and economic dimensions.
[Daizy to Camera]: He confirmed Lebanon’s right to self-defense against aggression under the United Nations Charter, while stressing the importance of exclusive state authority over arms and the decision-making power regarding war and peace.
Turning to domestic politics, the Prime Minister pledged to hold municipal, local, and parliamentary elections as scheduled. He promised that the state would remain neutral and impartial in these elections, ensuring fair competition among political forces. To modernize public administration, the government aims to restructure state institutions, expedite transparent appointments, and activate regulatory bodies to improve accountability and fight corruption.
On the judicial front, the Prime Minister called for an independent judiciary and swift judicial appointments. He urged no delays in key investigations—such as the Beirut Port explosion—and committed to strengthening judicial cooperation with international bodies.
Daizy (Voice Over): Addressing Lebanon’s economic challenges, the Prime Minister said the government would pursue negotiations with the International Monetary Fund, enact tax and customs reforms, and combat waste and smuggling. Restructuring the banking sector and protecting depositors’ funds are top priorities. The Prime Minister also underscored the importance of boosting growth, attracting private investments, and supporting the agricultural and industrial sectors to create jobs for young people.
He outlined plans to improve infrastructure—roads, ports, and airports—and pledged to reform the telecommunications, water, and electricity sectors, promising more reliable supply and renewed efforts in oil and gas exploration.
Daizy (Voice Over): The Prime Minister placed a strong emphasis on education, vowing to strengthen public schools, universities, and vocational institutions, as well as to modernize teaching methods through digital transformation. In healthcare, he committed to supporting public hospitals, improving coordination with the private sector, and ensuring the availability of essential medications. Social protection will be expanded, with a focus on assisting the most vulnerable groups, including continued efforts to address the displacement crisis, provide compensation for victims of the Beirut Port explosion.
Daizy (Voice Over):
The government plans to revise laws to guarantee women’s rights and encourage their participation in decision-making. It will also promote youth engagement in sports and the arts, investing cultural industries, and preserve Lebanon’s diverse heritage. A Ministry of Technology and Artificial Intelligence is proposed to harness innovation, attract Lebanese talents, and drive future economic growth.
Daizy (Voice Over): The Prime Minister called for a foreign policy that restores Lebanon’s standing in the Arab and international arenas, reiterating the importance of respecting the country’s sovereignty and neutrality in regional conflicts. He proposed serious dialogue with Syria to resolve border issues and ensure the return of Syrian refugees. On the Palestinian issue, he emphasized Lebanon’s rejection of permanent resettlement while supporting the right of return for refugees with international resolutions. In closing, the Prime Minister appealed for unity, urging citizens and political leaders alike to recognize that Lebanon’s salvation lies in a strong, reformed state that serves everyone. He expressed hope for a new social contract between a capable government and a creative society—one that meets the aspirations of the Lebanese people and secures a better future for generations to come. Thank you for joining me for this special report. Stay tuned for further updates and analysis on the remaking of Lebanon.
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