Judicial reform in motion: Lebanon's Cabinet approves long-stalled draft law to curb political interference
Lebanon's Cabinet has approved a draft law to secure greater judicial independence, a long-sought reform following years of political interference that has weakened the judiciary and stalled key appointments.
Passed on May 2, the bill is part of a broader reform package repeatedly delayed by political and sectarian interests seeking to maintain control over the courts.
The legislation introduces several changes designed to shield judges from external influence and strengthen accountability within the judiciary.
Under the proposed framework, half of the members of the key judicial council would be elected, while the remaining five would be appointed through a mix of ministerial and Cabinet decisions.
Specifically, the justice minister would name two members based on recommendations from senior judges, while the Cabinet would select the final three from candidates proposed by the Higher Judicial Council.
According to Justice Minister Adel Nassar, this hybrid approach, combining election and appointment, is meant to strike a balance and promote institutional stability.
The bill also establishes an independent body to evaluate judges every four years. The aim is to enhance professionalism and transparency through ongoing training and performance assessments.
Still, not everyone is on board. The Lebanese Judges Association has urged lawmakers to incorporate the recommendations it submitted on the draft law, warning that gaps remain.
The legislation comes amid pledges by Lebanon's new leadership to pursue long-overdue institutional reforms. Whether this draft will clear Parliament and finally make it onto the books remains to be seen—but if passed, it could mark a turning point for Lebanon's long-troubled judiciary.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
LBCI
5 hours ago
- LBCI
Lebanon's Grand Mufti visits Damascus in symbolic shift: Inside Derian's Syria meetings
Report by Abdullah Malaeb, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi Lebanon's Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian stood atop Mount Qasioun, gazing over the Syrian capital—a city he had not entered before the fall of the Assad regime. His presence marked what many observers are calling a symbolic turning point in Lebanese-Syrian relations. "We are strong and we are staying," Derian declared from the mountain, as he prepared to descend into Damascus for a tightly choreographed visit, which included high-level meetings and religious ceremonies. Syrian officials, including the country's Minister of Religious Endowments and Damascus' own Mufti, welcomed Derian warmly, though their first meeting took place at the presidential palace rather than in a religious setting. Speaking from the grand Umayyad Mosque, Derian emphasized historic ties between Lebanon and Syria, saying, "The era of oppression has ended, thanks to Syria's leadership, especially President Ahmed al-Sharaa." His remarks reflected a nuanced position, shaped by his longstanding affiliation with the moderate Sunni public associated with former Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri. Derian underscored the need for both religious and legal balance, calling for governance rooted not only in Islamic Sharia but also in civil law. "Let us be moderate, as the light of moderation, Islam, and Arab unity shines from this mosque," he told an audience of Syrian religious scholars, adding, "Just as we pray here in the Umayyad Mosque, may we one day pray together in Jerusalem." The Mufti's visit also included private talks at Syria's Ministry of Religious Endowments, where discussions focused on bilateral cooperation over religious endowment properties, a topic of longstanding economic and political importance, according to LBCI's sources. However, the broader geopolitical backdrop was impossible to ignore. The meeting between Derian and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa was delayed due to al-Sharaa's prior engagement with the British Foreign Secretary. Behind closed doors, the two leaders reportedly touched on a controversial Israeli proposal suggesting that Syria could take control of Lebanon's Tripoli region and parts of the Bekaa Valley in exchange for relinquishing claims over the occupied Golan Heights and territories recently seized by Israel.
LBCI
5 hours ago
- LBCI
Sources to LBCI: Lebanese Mufti, Syrian President dismiss Israeli claims over land swap deal
Sources informed LBCI that the meeting between Lebanese Grand Mufti Abdul Latif Derian and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus was described as "frank." However, no credibility was given to the alleged Israeli proposal suggesting Syria abandon its claim to the occupied Golan Heights in exchange for control over Lebanon's northern city of Tripoli and parts of the Bekaa Valley. Sources familiar with the discussions told LBCI that the controversial proposal, circulated by Israeli media outlets, was not even considered during the talks.
LBCI
5 hours ago
- LBCI
US envoy Tom Barrack's message to Lebanon: One country, one people, one army
Report by Toni Mrad, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi U.S. envoy Thomas Barrack declared on X that Lebanon stands at a historic crossroads, saying, "The opportunity is in our hands now" as he prepares for crucial talks with Lebanese officials on Monday. Barrack described the coming days as a defining moment in Lebanon's history—a chance to break free from the burdens of sectarian division and move toward the "real promise of a united nation: One country, one people, one army." His remarks came as Lebanese officials finalized their response to the U.S. proposal Barrack presented last month, which focuses on the exclusive control of weapons by the Lebanese state, a core demand from Washington. The statement is widely seen as a calculated effort by the U.S. to pressure Lebanon into advancing negotiations on the American proposal. Israel also exerted its own pressure Friday, launching airstrikes on South Lebanon that killed and wounded several people. Meanwhile, Saudi envoy Yazid bin Farhan departed Lebanon early Saturday, according to LBCI, following several days of meetings with Lebanese officials, including a second round of talks with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. Their discussions focused on Lebanon's response to Barrack's proposal. Sources say Bin Farhan emphasized the importance of Lebanon fulfilling its commitments as outlined in the presidential oath and ministerial statement, particularly regarding arms control and the urgent need to implement long-delayed reforms.
