Politics & Government Guide in Lebanon

Political system, governance structure, stability indicators, and democratic institutions

Lebanon ended its prolonged political deadlock in early 2025 with the election of President Joseph Aoun and formation of a new government under Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. The cabinet includes ministers appointed by Hezbollah and Amal, raising concerns about the militia's continued influence despite reform promises. The country faces upcoming 2026 parliamentary elections amid economic challenges and sectarian tensions.

Government Type

Parliamentary democratic republic with confessionalism

Legal System

Mixed legal system of civil law and uncodified common law influenced by French and Ottoman law

Head of State

President Joseph Aoun(since 2025)

Head of Government

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam(Independent)since 2025

Legislature

Type:unicameral

Lower House:National Assembly (128 seats)

Major Political Parties

Amal Movement(Amal)

Shia Islamist

17 seats

Hezbollah(Hezbollah)

Shia Islamist

15 seats

Free Patriotic Movement(FPM)

Christian nationalist

18 seats

Future Movement(FM)

Sunni liberal

21 seats

Voting Rights

Lebanese citizens aged 21 and over; expatriates allowed to vote since 2018

Recent Developments

Joseph Aoun elected president on January 9, 2025, ending two-year vacancy
Nawaf Salam formed new 24-minister government on February 8, 2025, after caretaker period
Government won confidence vote in parliament on February 26, 2025
2026 state budget approved amid controversy over allocations to health ministry potentially benefiting Hezbollah-linked institutions

Voting Age21

SuffrageUniversal

Constitution1926

Governorates8