Report: 'Pessimism' Grows Heralding Months of Govt. Delay

Pessimism regarding the Cabinet formation grew on Tuesday in the absence of consultations to ease the latest hurdle hampering the formation process, amid concerns the delay could persist until the end of the year, al-Joumhouria daily reported on Wednesday.

Not a single proposal to ease the obstacle was made, meanwhile officials traded accusations of delay, said the daily.

Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri, currently in Paris, is waiting for Hizbullah to submit the names of its ministers. In the aftermath, he will immediately meet with President Aoun in the presence of Speaker Nabih Berri to issue the needed decrees.

Meanwhile, Hizbullah and its allies believe that Hariri must allocate a ministerial seat for a Sunni MP of March 8, which the PM strongly refuses.

In light of the complexity delaying the formation, warnings that the delay has negative repercussions affecting the country’s economy and financial situation continue, it added.

“The political arena witnessed yesterday a kind of collective retreat from dealing with the governmental situation. Officials and political circles did not raise any new idea that would steer the gridlock. Meanwhile, the Premier is not expected before next Wednesday,” said the daily.