Judge Nawaf Salam secured more than two-thirds of the 128-member parliament to become prime minister, and is expected to form his cabinet this week. However and as always, there are complications that might cause a delay in the cabinet formation. It comes as no surprise to see political parties lobbying to secure a ministry or two in the government, but things have changed and so-called consensus or inclusive governments (حكومة “ميثاقية”) should no longer be a viable option. Such governments are a recipe for disaster and constitue a compromise at times where we should be embracing the significant change in the region’s political scene.

We need a pragmatic and efficient government, one that is formed of competent ministers capable of implementing reforms and putting Lebanon back on the right track. This being said, it cannot be formed of opposing or conflicting political parties. Those who opposed Salam’s candidacy should form an opposition within the parliament and try to regain majority and reclaim the government.

This is the only formula that will get things moving and any attempts to sneak a minister here or there to appease corrupt and rotten parties should be foiled. I’d rather see Salam resign than agree to such compromises.

The last we need is a repeat of 2005 where political parties hijacked the Cedars revolution.