Prime Minister Nawaf Salam stressed that Lebanon’s Constitution guarantees full legal and political equality among citizens, warning that sectarian practices in political and administrative appointments undermine this principle.
Speaking at the conference "Citizenship, State Sovereignty and Future Prospects," Salam highlighted contradictions between constitutional provisions and the reality of sectarian quotas in senior state positions and public administration.
Salam noted that while Articles 7 and 12 enshrine equality and merit-based appointments, the application of Article 95 has expanded sectarian allocation beyond first-rank posts, affecting efficiency and the concept of equal citizenship.
Moreover, Salam argued that confessional distribution has harmed state performance and weakened citizens’ trust, calling for a balanced approach that preserves communal identities while strengthening individual citizenship rights.
The PM then proposed revisiting constitutional reforms, including the bicameral system outlined in Article 22, limiting sectarian representation to a Senate while freeing Parliament from confessional constraints.
Salam concluded that Lebanon’s crisis of citizenship stems from incomplete political recognition of individuals beyond sectarian affiliation, stressing that addressing this issue is essential to building a just and strong state.
Speaking at the conference "Citizenship, State Sovereignty and Future Prospects," Salam highlighted contradictions between constitutional provisions and the reality of sectarian quotas in senior state positions and public administration.
Salam noted that while Articles 7 and 12 enshrine equality and merit-based appointments, the application of Article 95 has expanded sectarian allocation beyond first-rank posts, affecting efficiency and the concept of equal citizenship.
Moreover, Salam argued that confessional distribution has harmed state performance and weakened citizens’ trust, calling for a balanced approach that preserves communal identities while strengthening individual citizenship rights.
The PM then proposed revisiting constitutional reforms, including the bicameral system outlined in Article 22, limiting sectarian representation to a Senate while freeing Parliament from confessional constraints.
Salam concluded that Lebanon’s crisis of citizenship stems from incomplete political recognition of individuals beyond sectarian affiliation, stressing that addressing this issue is essential to building a just and strong state.
