Franjieh Requests Key Portfolio in Cabinet Line-Up
Marada Movement leader MP Suleiman Franjieh insists to be given a key services-related portfolio in the upcoming new government and demands to either be given the telecommunications or energy ministry, al-Akhbar daily reported on Wednesday.
Reports added that Franjieh has rejected suggestions to allot him one of two ministries, the education or health.
Meanwhile Speaker Nabih Berri and Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri are eager to keep Franjieh content with the shares that will be allotted for his party, while the Lebanese Forces and the Free Patriotic Movement refuse that Marada be given a key ministry, added the daily.
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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