Berri: Minor Obstacles Impeding Cabinet Will be Eased

Speaker Nabih Berri said after the weekly Wednesday meeting with MPs that he is optimistic as for the efforts to line-up the cabinet, and emphasized that he insists to be given the public works ministerial portfolio.

“We expect minor problems hindering the formation to be eased. Efforts are ongoing to solve them and form a government in order to stipulate a new electoral law,” Berri remarked.

However, the Speaker emphasized that he still wants the ministerial portfolio of public works as part of his share in the cabinet.

MPs quoted Berri as saying that a lot of work awaits the new government mainly the stipulation of a new electoral law. He added that the issue must top future discussions to pave way for the upcoming parliamentary elections.

Following President Michel Aoun's election in October, Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri is still facing obstacles bringing together a line-up that balances Lebanon's delicate sectarian-based political system.

A struggle between Hariri and Aoun on one side and Berri over the government line-up. At stake is the distribution of the most powerful portfolios, including the Defense Ministry.

The political parties are also bickering over amending the current election law which divides seats among the different religious sects. The current parliament has failed to amend the law, and has extended its mandate twice amid criticism. New elections are scheduled for May 2017.