15-10-5 Formula is acceptable less Impossible Pre-Conditions
Lebanese Forces bloc MP Antoine Zahra told MTV on Friday that the 15-10-5 cabinet formula is “acceptable” as long as there are no “impossible” pre-conditions, a possible reference to Change and Reform bloc leader MP Michel Aoun’s demands for the Interior Minister and the reappointment of his son-in-law, Telecommunications Minister Gebran Bassil. He highlighted the formula’s importance, saying it contributes to the role of the presidency.
Zahra added that the March 8 alliance is refusing to discuss any cabinet formula because it will oppose everything except the 15-10-5, which he said is no longer binding during Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri’s second tenure.
Zahra also said that the LF will touch on the danger of “obstruction from within the cabinet” during the bloc’s consultation with Hariri on Friday, referring to the opposition.
“I would like to thank the March 8 coalition for rejecting Hariri’s first cabinet line-up proposal because it would have cancelled the June 7 parliamentary election results,” said Zahra, adding, “We are not demanding a majority cabinet.”
He called for respecting the 2009 parliamentary election results and for not reappointing candidates, who were defeated during the elections, a clear reference to Telecom Minister Gebran Bassil.