First cabinet of Selim Hoss


The cabinet led by Prime Minister Selim Hoss was the first government under the presidency of Elias Hrawi. It was also the first government headed by Selim Hoss. The cabinet was inaugurated on 9 December 1976 and replaced the cabinet of Rashid Karami. The term of the cabinet lasted until 2 July 1979, and it was replaced by the second cabinet of Salim Hoss.

Background

Elias Hrawi was elected as the President of Lebanon and appointed Selim Hoss to form the cabinet. The cabinet was established as an interim government for six months to reestablished the order in the country. However, later its duration was extended, and the cabinet served until 2 July 1979. Thus, the cabinet served during the civil war. President Hrawi asked Hoss to establish a national unity in spring 1978 which was not materialized.

Cabinet members

The cabinet included eight members, four Muslims and four Christians. They were technocrats and had no political party affiliation or ministerial experience. Most of the ministers held more than one portfolio.
The members of the cabinet are as follows:
Prime Minister Selim Hoss left the posts of minister of petroleum and minister of industry on 28 December 1978, and Assad Rizk was named as the minister of oil and industry.