New Disputes over Portfolios Impedes Govt. Formation in Lebanon
Arab World
Beirut - Caroline Akoum
A new Lebanese government will not be formed this as concerned parties have yet to resolve their disputes. Moreover, further complications have emerged to the already existing ones as officials continue to disagree on the names of candidates proposed to head some ministerial posts, sources said. Obstacles hindering the birth of the new cabinet are no longer limited to differences over the Christian representation at the ministers of energy and foreign affairs, informed sources told Asharq Al-Awsat on Monday. They said lingering disputes remain over the naming of a Sunni official as interior minister. Prime Minister-designate Hassan Diab and head of the Free Patriotic Movement, caretaker Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil disagree on the names of candidates to take over some Christian ministerial posts, mainly the Foreign Affairs and Energy Ministries. Diab already proposed to Bassil a number of candidates for the two positions. However, the minister rejected them, saying they were former ministers and not qualified for the jobs. Other obstacles emerged on Monday after Druze factions renewed their demand to have two ministerial portfolios instead of one and after the Shiite duo of Hezbollah and the Amal Movement announced their desire to review the names of candidates to take over the ministries of Finance, Health, Agriculture and Industry, allocated to the Shiite sect. “Those obstacles are not insurmountable. They can be solved but would delay the announcement of the new government for a couple of days,” the sources said. Meanwhile, Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi called Monday for forming a new government away from the influence of politicians and partisans who are held captives to their narrow interests and petty calculations. In his religious sermon during Epiphany Mass in Bkirki, Rahi said: "It is our duty to always address the consciences of political officials who are still impeding the birth of the new government. History will attest that they have plunged Lebanon into the worst economic, financial and living conditions."
from Asharq AL-awsat https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/2070401/new-disputes-over-portfolios-impedes-govt-formation-lebanon
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