Report: Aoun OKs 'Key' Marada Representation in New Cabinet
President Michel Aoun does not mind that Marada Movement leader MP Suleiman Franjieh, his earlier rival in the presidential race, be given a key portfolio in the new cabinet that will be formed by Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri, media reports said on Tuesday.
Reports obtained by al-Joumhouria daily said that Aoun, Hariri and Speaker Nabih Berri approve that the Marada be given a key portfolio.
Franjieh had declared earlier, after the unbinding consultations with the PM-designate to form a cabinet, that he wishes to be given a key portfolio, but stated: “If that turns out to be not suitable, then I am not that enthusiastic to take part in the new cabinet in the first place.”
The MP has disclosed on several occasions that he will be among the ranks of the opposition when Aoun is elected president.
Relations between the two men soured against the backdrop of competing for the presidential post. Franjieh refrained from withdrawing his candidacy in favor of Aoun, and had reiterated that although Aoun is a “strong leader but he is not the sole Christian leader.”
The political forces are reportedly pushing for forming the cabinet before Independence Day, which Lebanon marks on November 22.
Horsetrading is currently revolving around the distribution of the so-called sovereign ministerial portfolios – finance, defense, foreign affairs and interior – and other key portfolios like energy and public works.
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