Leaked erroneous Information Complicates Cabinet Formation
Lebanese Forces bloc MP Antoine Zahra told Future News television on Tuesday that the information “some MPs leaked to An-Nahar newspaper pertaining to the distribution of portfolios seeks to complicate rather than facilitate the cabinet formation.”
Zahra said it is “impossible” for Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri “to assign all these portfolios to the same bloc,” a reference to the Change and Reform bloc. He stressed that Hariri is “seriously” seeking to form a new government based on the 15-10-5 formula – which grants the majority 15 ministerial seats, the opposition 10 and the president five – however, he called for President Michel Sleiman and Hariri to think of a backup formula if Hariri’s efforts are unsuccessful.
According to Zahra, Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Michel Aoun’s rhetoric is “good and reassuring,” adding nonetheless, that he “cannot be optimistic” about the government formation.
“Under the right conditions, a new cabinet can be formed in 48 hours instead of lasting for months,” said Zahra.