Internal Politics: Calls for Reform and Judicial Independence in Lebanon

Lebanon is currently witnessing a period of significant internal political and judicial maneuvering, marked by calls for new leadership and a strengthened, independent judiciary. The recent return of businessman Bahaa Hariri to Beirut, coupled with ongoing efforts by Justice Minister Adel Nassar to enact judicial reforms, underscores a pivotal moment in the nation's struggle for governance and stability. [6, 10] These events, while distinct, collectively paint a picture of a country striving for internal solutions to its long-standing crises. Upon his arrival at Beirut's Rafic Hariri International Airport, Bahaa Hariri, son of the assassinated former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, announced his intention to permanently relocate to Lebanon with his family in September. [6] He stated that Lebanon requires "honest and loyal" leaders and positioned himself at the forefront of "Harirism," especially following his brother Saad Hariri's withdrawal from political life. [4, 6] This move is seen as an attempt to fill the vacuum in the Sunni political scene and continue his father's legacy, emphasizing moderation and the need to rebuild state institutions free from corruption. [7, 18] Hariri's call for unity and for weapons to be exclusively in the hands of the state further outlines his political platform as he re-enters the domestic arena. [6] Simultaneously, a significant push for judicial reform is underway, led by Justice Minister Adel Nassar. A major step in this process has been the reception of a new list of judicial appointments from the Supreme Judicial Council, a move that has been stalled for years. [10, 12] Minister Nassar has expressed his confidence that these appointments were made independently and based on objective criteria, free from sectarian quotas or political interference. [10] This development is seen as a cornerstone for enhancing the judiciary's independence, activating its work, and rebuilding citizens' trust in legal institutions. [10] Furthermore, Nassar has been championing a draft law on judicial independence, which has been completed and is awaiting parliamentary approval, aiming to shield judges from political influence and introduce greater accountability. [5, 8] These parallel developments in the political and judicial spheres signal a deep-seated desire for change within Lebanon. Bahaa Hariri's return and his call for a new style of leadership address the political stagnation and the leadership vacuum within the Sunni community. [4, 18] His rhetoric of unity and state-building resonates with a populace weary of political divisions and corruption. [6, 7] On the other hand, Minister Nassar's determined efforts to reform the judiciary tackle a core issue that has long plagued the Lebanese state: the erosion of the rule of law due to political meddling. [3, 8] The successful implementation of judicial appointments and the passing of the independence law are viewed as critical for restoring both domestic and international confidence in Lebanon. [9] The path to comprehensive reform is fraught with challenges, embedded in a system historically resistant to change. However, the convergence of a renewed political voice calling for clean governance and a concrete, institutional effort to establish an independent judiciary represents a significant internal push towards a more stable and functional state. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether these initiatives can overcome entrenched interests and set Lebanon on a genuine path to recovery and reform.