Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri is pursuing his discussions in order to overcome the obstacles hindering the cabinet formation, hoping that the government will be formed before Sunday evening at the latest in case all issues were resolved. Meanwhile, contacts are ongoing with the presidential palace, as meetings will be held between parties to find solutions.
According to information made available, there has been no contact between the Lebanese Forces and the Free Patriotic Movement, while FPM chief Gebran Bassil has been refusing the contact the LF.
On another note, sources revealed that during the meeting held between President Aoun and PM-designate Hariri on Friday at the Baabda palace, Aoun told Hariri that the “Strong Lebanon” must be represented by 6 ministers, while the Lebanese Forces must have 3 ministers only, since Speaker Nabih Berri’s bloc has 17 deputies and will only be represented by 3 ministers. According to the sources, this has sparked a debate over the fact that the Lebanese Forces has the right to a larger share given the results of the parliamentary elections.
However, Hariri suggested that the LF be represented by 5 ministers, or 4 ministers and the deputy PM.