Parliamentary consultations for Prime Minister designation produced an unexpected outcome as Judge Nawaf Salam secured 85 votes, surpassing Najib Mikati's previous momentum. The morning sessions showed initial support for Salam, with 12 votes against Mikati's 7. By afternoon, both the Strong Lebanon bloc and Democratic Gathering joined the support for Salam, marking a shift from previous calculations.
Hezbollah's parliamentary bloc expressed concerns about exclusion and requested postponement of their consultation, only to reverse the decision hours later. The group's abstention, along with Amal Movement's, highlighted tensions over what they termed lack of "Shiite legitimacy."
President Joseph Aoun engaged with media, expressing hope for swift cabinet formation. French President Macron and the White House issued statements viewing Salam's designation as a historic opportunity, while outgoing PM Mikati called to congratulate his successor.