Parliament Finalizes Lebanese University Amendment After Heated Session
After nearly 90 minutes of debate, the Lebanese Parliament approved a compromise amendment to the law governing the Lebanese University's academic councils, allowing for a six-month extension of the current university president's term while introducing permanent changes to the appointment process.
Lawmakers were divided over the proposal. Supporters argued that a successful university president should be allowed to seek a second term to complete ongoing reforms, noting that similar practices exist in other countries. Opponents countered that such comparisons were misleading, as foreign universities are typically overseen by independent boards of trustees with authority over university presidents. They also argued that institutional continuity should rely on strong governance rather than individuals, insisting that the appointment of a university president should only take place after the formation of a fully constituted University Council, particularly given the current vacancies caused by the absence of appointed deans.
Among the MPs opposing the proposal were members of the Lebanese Forces, the Kataeb Party, the Free Patriotic Movement, the Democratic Gathering bloc, as well as several independent and reformist lawmakers.
During the debate, Education Minister Rima Karami explained that the current legal deadlines and administrative reality did not allow enough time to appoint a new University Council before the current president's term expires.
FPM leader MP Gebran Bassil then proposed a compromise, suggesting that the principle be permanently enshrined in the law while introducing an exceptional measure for the current situation by extending the mandate of Lebanese University President Bassam Badran for six months until a new University Council is appointed. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam endorsed the proposal.
Under the text approved by Parliament, the president of the Lebanese University will serve a five-year term, renewable once in accordance with the established appointment mechanism, provided that permanent deans have first been appointed and a University Council has been formed. As a one-time exception, the current president's term was extended by six months until those conditions are met.
Following the vote, MP Halime Kaakour criticized the decision, saying: My observation remains that everything you have done today was, once again, aimed at keeping the current university president in office.
MP Elias Jaradeh also voiced concern that the six-month extension could expire before the required appointments are completed. MP Salim Aoun responded: Don't worry—we'll extend it again when the time comes.
