Report: Aoun OKs 'Key' Marada Representation in New Cabinet
إقرأ هذا الخبر بالعربية
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.
15 November 2016, 14:06
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Mr. Feranjeyeh. It has become evident that you are now left out in the garbage pit of politics. By accepting a nomination for presidency by the head of an adversary block, while the head of your own block was already a nominee you demonstrated despicable disloyalty and witless dishonesty. Thenceforth, your handling of your failed bid was puerile and made you a laughing stock and a subject of derision. Instead of correcting your futile course of action you stupidly thought that by casting a blank vote you reverse your abject failure and come closer to winning the presidency. In sooth, this had irrefutably proven that you are very naïve and unfit hence to lead the country in such difficult times. Wherefore, you will never become a credible presidential contender.
15 November 2016, 16:08
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Lebanon has been criticized for depriving its Shia majority of civil rights. In a move to quell international heat, President Aoun has named all members of Parliament to his Cabinet, tripling their salaries, already the highest in the world. In other news, Lebanon has revoked its declaration of independence from the middle east. It had sought a place between Luxembourg and Germany, or in a small corner of Austria, but the EU has decided that there are already too many Arabs in Europe.
15 November 2016, 16:20
01
Hahaha Chrisrushlua... yehrat Lebanon was a country between Luxemburg and Germany! Better then neighbors with Syria and Israel! Lebanon is a country of peoples that respect each others religion and sects... something that much of the world should honour and respect! Unlike people like you that continue to bitch about how Christians are over represented. Would there even be Lebanon without Christians? Answer is no... We would be part of Syria!
Stop your winging/bitching about christians representation! Without christians there is no Lebanon!
15 November 2016, 16:26
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I would like to see a true unity government with everyone involved moving together towards a strong government that can actually do things and strong economy! Electricty, waste, banking and tourism! Do you know how hard it is to invest in lebanon from Australia? I have tried 3 times to transfer money but it keeps getting rejected! Even though i can produce documents on why I'm transferring and to where i'm transferring... It keeps getting rejected at the lebanese bank end! This is what we need to fix! Hopefully Aoun/Hariri can fix this with Trump as President!
