Salam Says New Cabinet Can Embrace All Parties

Prime Minister-designate Tammam Salam has said the 24-member government could embrace all political parties, confirming an agreement on the rotation of portfolios.

In remarks to al-Akhbar newspaper published on Tuesday, Salam said: “We are running out of time.”

“The cabinet and the portfolios could embrace everyone. There are 22 portfolios for 22 ministers in a cabinet of 24 members,” he said.

“This means that the participation of all parties is settled through the full rotation of portfolios,” Salam added.

His comments came despite reports that Free Patriotic Movement leader Michel Aoun is rejecting the rotation over fears that his party would lose the energy and telecom ministry seats that are currently held by FPM officials.

Aoun allegedly prefers to make the rotation in the government that will come after the cabinet led by Salam following the presidential elections.

Salam hailed the decision of the rival parties to “take the opportunity of political changes” in Lebanon to speed up the government formation process.

He did not reveal what kind of changes had occurred in the status quo.

The premier-designate made his remarks as the different parties continued consultations on the new government.