Govt. launches reform plan, stresses need to implement Taif accord

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announced Thursday after a cabinet session that the government has “launched a comprehensive reform plan based on the ministerial statement.”

“We’ve stressed the need to continue the Taif Agreement’s reform clauses,” Salam added.

“We have issued the 2025 state budget in a decree and tasked the finance minister to prepare a draft law to reconsider the fees mentioned in the budget to avoid their social and economic impact on citizens. We will also begin working on the 2026 budget,” the premier said.

“We have agreed with the ministers on devising detailed lists with the needed reformist steps at every ministry and to set a timeframe for implementing them,” Salam went on to say.

Moreover, he said that “it has been agreed to adopt a transparent mechanism regarding the file of appointments,” revealing that “it has been decided to return to holding cabinet sessions at a dedicated place as per the Taif Agreement,” noting that “the location will be announced next week.”

Information Minister Paul Morkos for his part said that President Joseph Aoun briefed Cabinet on the outcome of his visit to Saudi Arabia, emphasizing that “there is Saudi willingness to help should Lebanon carry out the reforms.”

“President Aoun pointed out that there will be a second expected visit to Saudi Arabia after Eid al-Fitr in which several ministers will take part,” Morkos added.

He also announced that Cabinet approved a draft law to exempt those affected by Israel’s latest war from some taxes and fees.

“There is no specific date for the file of appointments and Cabinet has not interfered in names,” Morkos added.