Arslan Warns against Undermining Druze Share in Cabinet

Head of the Lebanese Democratic Party MP Talal Arslan warned on Thursday against any attempts to undermine the Druze community's share in the upcoming cabinet line-up.

“We will not accept any disrespect with regard to the portfolio to be allotted to the Druze,” said Arsalan on Twitter.

“I hereby ask the Prime Minister-designate to seriously look into this matter and to respect the current position of the Druze and their historic position in the country,” added the MP.

Arslan's comments came after reports said that one of two ministerial portfolios (justice or educations) will be given to a Druze minister while a state portfolio will be given to Arslan.

OTV said on Wednesday that the Druze leader, MP Walid Jumblat, has accepted to take the education ministry instead of the justice ministry, amid other reports saying otherwise.

President Michel Aoun and Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri are still struggling to put together a new cabinet amid conflicting demands from the political forces that are seeking to join the unity government.

Horsetrading is still revolving around the so-called services-related ministerial portfolios.