Jumblat Holds Onto Rotation of Portfolios as Bassil Considers it Targets FPM
Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat stressed on Wednesday that there is consensus between all parties on adopting the rotation in ministerial portfolios, persuading the Free Patriotic Movement to agree on the matter.
“We cannot reject the rotation of portfolios, which was agreed on by President Michel Suleiman, Speaker Nabih Berri and Prime Minister-designate Tammam Salam,” Jumblat informed FPM caretaker Energy Minister Jebran Bassil.
The Druze leader stressed during talks with Bassil the importance of dealing “fairly” with the FPM regarding the ministerial representation.
Jumblat told Bassil that “a political deal regarding the rotation of portfolios was carried out,” however, Bassil informed the PSP leader that the “deal doesn't concern the party as it infringes its rights.”
“The rotation of portfolios is rejected as we are being targeted by adopting it,” Bassil said, noting that there is no “justification nor sense in adopting this concept in a cabinet that will not last long.”
Bassil recently kicked off a round of talks with various political powers to discuss the cabinet formation process.
He has so far met with Suleiman and Salam.
Salam, who was appointed in April, informed Bassil that he is holding onto the concept of “fair, balanced and comprehensive rotation of portfolios.”
Head of the FPM MP Michel Aoun reiterated on Tuesday his rejection to the concept of rotating portfolios, considering it an attempt to "tamper with the Christian representation."
The cabinet formation process was put on the front burner after Berri proposed a revised 8-8-8 government formula and Suleiman said he would form a so-called neutral cabinet if the political rivals don't agree on an all-embracing government within ten days.
Amid the Lebanese Forces' rejection of Hizbullah's participation in the cabinet, the March 14 camp has reportedly accepted the 8-8-8 formula in principle, but it is awaiting answers pertaining to the ministerial policy statement and the rotation of portfolios among political parties.
The 8-8-8 formula divides ministers equally between the centrists and March 14 and 8 alliances, in which each get eight ministers with “decisive ministers” for the March 14 and 8 coalitions.
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