Meet Lebanon’s new ministers

After weeks of intense political negotiations, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam successfully formed a government on Saturday, marking the end of over two and a half years of caretaker leadership in Lebanon.

Salam had previously committed to excluding political party members from ministerial positions, aiming to break away from Lebanon’s long-standing sectarian and corruption-linked political system. However, given the country’s sectarian-based power-sharing structure, cabinet appointments were still made after consultations with political leaders.

Key Ministers in Lebanon’s New Government

Finance – Yassine Jaber

A former minister of economy and transport, Yassine Jaber has strong ties to Speaker Nabih Berri. Previously a lawmaker within Berri’s Amal bloc, which is allied with Hezbollah, Jaber is not officially affiliated with any political party. His appointment, which had been leaked in advance, drew criticism from some who saw it as a political victory for Berri.

The finance ministry has long been under the influence of Lebanon’s two dominant Shiite parties, making it a highly strategic portfolio. Jaber’s role will be particularly crucial as Lebanon seeks financial support to rebuild from years of economic collapse and the recent conflict with Israel.

Environment – Tamara Elzein

Tamara Elzein has served as Secretary-General of Lebanon’s National Council for Scientific Research since 2022. Additionally, she holds the position of Vice President of the Lebanese National Commission at UNESCO. She has an academic background in physical chemistry, earning her doctorate from Université de Haute-Alsace in France.

Culture – Ghassan Salame

An academic, diplomat, and politician, Ghassan Salame has previously held the culture minister role in Lebanon. He has served as a United Nations envoy to Libya, worked under former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, and contributed to UN missions in Iraq.

Social Affairs – Haneen Sayed

An economist and author, Haneen Sayed has extensive experience working with the World Bank, particularly on Lebanon’s response to its economic crisis and the war in neighboring Syria.

Energy – Joe Saddi

Joe Saddi, who holds an MBA from Cornell University, has a background in business consulting, particularly in privatization and deregulation. He was previously Senior Partner and Chairman of Strategy&’s Middle East division and Chairman of the Board at Booz & Company.

According to his LinkedIn profile, Saddi was based in the United Arab Emirates, where he led privatization efforts in the energy, mining, and steel sectors while advising Middle Eastern governments on deregulation and policy reforms.

His appointment marks the first time in years that the energy ministry has not been controlled by the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM)—a Christian party that was once a Hezbollah ally before their relationship deteriorated over conflicts with Israel. The FPM has no involvement in the current government.

Minister for the Displaced, Technology, and AI – Kamal Shehadi

Kamal Shehadi has been appointed as the minister for the displaced and state minister for technology and artificial intelligence—a challenging position in a country where electricity shortages persist for most of the day.

Shehadi has worked extensively in the telecommunications and technology sectors. His LinkedIn profile indicates that he was previously based in the United Arab Emirates and holds degrees from Columbia University and Harvard University in the United States.