Geagea Slams Adherence of Some Politicians to Acquire Specific Portfolios

Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea criticized the demands of some political factions to acquire specific portfolios in the upcoming cabinet under claims that they aim to facilitate the mission of the PM-designate Tammam Salam in lining up the government, al-Joumhouria daily said on Saturday.

“I can't understand how some political groups, blocs or persons would insist on acquiring specific portfolios, in light of the arduous living, economic and security conditions we are facing, and claim to be facilitating the mission of the PM-designate,” said the LF leader.

“The country's fate is at stake,” Geagea stressed in reference to the leader of the Change and Reform parliamentary bloc Michel Aoun who is allegedly sticking to demands to keep the Energy and Telecommunication Ministries.

Geagea expressed regret “at the level reached by some politicians in addressing pressing issues in the country.”

He called on President Michel Suleiman and Salam to “present a ministerial formula stemming from their national responsibilities.”

“Let the parliamentary blocs shoulder their own responsibilities in front of the Lebanese people in the parliament,” Geagea told al-Joumhouria.

Salam continues his mission to line up a cabinet to hold the parliamentary elections and has thus held discussions with various political blocs.

Sources close to the PM-designate said that he would move next week to a new phase by discussing with the rival factions potential candidates and the distribution of portfolios.