Jumblat Torpedoes Portfolio Rotation, Holds onto Public Works, Offers Aoun Ministry of Displaced
Cabinet formation process remains stuck at the distribution of portfolios stage with Druze leader Walid Jumblat holding onto the public works ministry and Free Patriotic Movement chief Michel Aoun refusing to accept Jumblat”s offer to take the ministry of the displaced in return for the public works.
Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri had suggested that Jumblat be granted the telecommunications ministry, but the Progressive Socialist Party leader refused what he called was a "poisoned gift."
Jumblat has, in turn, proposed giving Aoun the ministry of the displaced instead of the public works, an offer that was rejected by the FPM leader.
Hariri also has suggested that Aoun and Speaker Nabih Berri swap portfolios such as the health ministry goes to Aoun while Berri would get the telecoms.
Press reports said Hariri would discuss this issue at an imminent meeting with Berri.
Al-Liwaa daily, meanwhile, quoted sources as denying that Hariri had suggested granting Aoun the ministries of education, public works, energy, justice and labor.
Hariri met Tuesday night with Haj Hasan Khalil, Hizbullah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah”s political aide, to discuss developments regarding government formation.
On Wednesday, the premier-designate was readying for another round of consultations that would include a meeting with Berri who has returned home from a visit to the UAE and with Marada Movement leader Suleiman Franjieh.
The Franjieh-Hariri meeting is due to take place at midday Wednesday at Center House.