20/01/2025

Lebanese lawmakers push for separation of parliamentary and ministerial roles

BEIRUT — A growing movement among Lebanese parliamentarians is advocating for the separation of parliamentary and ministerial roles, arguing that such a reform would allow lawmakers to focus on legislative oversight while enabling ministers to dedicate themselves to executive responsibilities.

Following the election of General Joseph Aoun as President and the appointment of Nawaf Salam to form a new government, hopes for governance reform in Lebanon are rising. Calls to amend Article 28 of the Lebanese Constitution, which permits parliamentarians to also serve as ministers, have gained traction. This flexibility allows ministers to be selected from within or outside the legislature — or both — a practice critics argue undermines institutional integrity.

Voices for Change

MP Paula Yacoubian of the Change Bloc has been a leading advocate for separating these roles. Speaking to Asharq al-Awsat, Yacoubian highlighted the need to ensure clear distinctions between legislative and executive powers. “This reform is essential for legislators to concentrate on oversight and accountability, while ministers focus solely on their executive mandates,” she stated.

Yacoubian also proposed additional reforms, including preventing judges from holding ministerial positions. She suggested a law mandating that any judge appointed as a minister would automatically resign from the judiciary.

A Proposal Stalled for Over a Decade

The idea of separating parliamentary and ministerial roles was first proposed in 2011 but has remained stalled in legislative limbo. Advocates, including Yacoubian, believe the current political climate offers a unique opportunity for its revival.

Despite widespread public support from major political parties for the principle of separation, many have exploited the existing constitutional flexibility to appoint parliamentarians as ministers. Critics argue this duality dilutes the effectiveness of both legislative and executive functions.

If implemented, the proposed reforms would represent a significant shift in Lebanon’s governance model. Proponents assert that separating powers is critical for enhancing transparency, accountability, and institutional efficiency. With new political leadership in place, advocates are optimistic about turning this long-awaited reform into reality.