Now that the elections saga is over, and Parliament’s term has been extended by 17 months, it is essential that a government is formed as soon as possible, and that Tammam Salam forms a Cabinet of his choosing, even if he is unable to get all sides to the discussions table.

Thus far, all suggestions, from the prime minister-designate himself and from others, have gone nowhere. Now is the time for some firm decision-making, and the creation of a government which may not make any party jump for joy, but one which will also not provoke any extreme reactions. Compromise must be the name of the game now. A government which no one party is completely enthused by might be the only remaining option.

Hezbollah’s possible position within the government is clearly one of the thorniest issues which must be addressed. While the group is so blatantly involved in fighting on the ground in Syria, it cannot expect to be part of the Cabinet. But a political government without the party would simply create further problems. It is vital that Salam now find a neutral middle-ground.

As it is, with all sides sticking to their heavily entrenched positions, this governmental paralysis will continue, and for how long, no one can predict. And all groups bear responsibility for this vacuum, one which has left tens of important government positions unfilled, and a similar number of crucial draft laws festering in drawers in the Grand Serail, the caretaker government unable, even if it were willing, to move them forward.

This governmental vacuum has also been the icing on the cake as far as discouraging tourists to visit Lebanon is concerned. In addition to the rockets, the kidnappings and the war next door, the patent lack of a central authority and the weakness of security structures – symptoms of this absence of a government – have left hotel rooms and mountain residences completely deserted, now, and likely for the rest of the summer.

Unable to appease all diverse factions in his attempt to form a government, the moderate Salam – perhaps unique at this current moment for being able to occupy such a position – must create a new method for forming cabinets out of thin air, or reinvent the system in which portfolios are distributed. The problem has been apparent for some time, and seems unsolvable; his last two predecessors also took four or five months to magic up a Cabinet. This is simply too long, a time period which the Lebanese do not have the patience for right now. And nor should they be expected to, making creativity and vision a must.

All parties and leaders must now make an important decision – whether to prioritize their own interests or those of the country as a whole. For it is all of Lebanon which suffers under this vacuum of power. This may involve making some difficult, painful decisions, as far as their own power is concerned, but it is what the country needs, urgently.