Report: Hariri Angered by 'Unrealistic' Demands for Portfolios

Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri is holding intensive consultations with President Michel Aoun and Speaker Nabih Berri to complete the formation of the cabinet which seems to limp under the demands of some political parties to be given specific portfolios.

Hariri is angered by what media reports described as the “unrealistic claims” raised by some for certain ministerial portfolios. He emphasizes the need to facilitate the mission of lining up the cabinet in the near future in order to accomplish several pressing issues, and to translate the oath of office and start implementing the work plan posed, al-Joumhouria daily reported on Thursday.

Well-informed sources told the daily that Hariri is determined to finalize his task in a maximum of 72 hours if there have been no obstacles to delay it, and he plans to visit the Speaker after that to put the finishing touches in preparation for the launch of the new cabinet.

The sources added that head of the Democratic Gathering bloc MP Walid Jumblat told Hariri of his willingness to facilitate his mission.

The process of forming a government could take months, with horsetrading likely to revolve around the distribution of key posts like the finance, defense and energy ministries.

Aoun was elected last month as Lebanon's 13th president after a key endorsement from al-Mustaqbal Movement leader Saad Hariri and crucial support from Hizbullah. Aoun also received important support from the Lebanese Forces.

Aoun's election as president and Hariri's appointment as premier-designate have raised hopes that Lebanon can begin tackling challenges including a stagnant economy, a moribund political class and the influx of more than a million Syrian refugees.

In a sign that Hariri's task of forming a new cabinet might not be easy, Hizbullah's MPs declined to endorse him for the prime minister post.

Hariri is likely to struggle with his government's policy statement, which will have to make reference to Israel, as well as the war in Syria, both potential flashpoints with Hizbullah.