The structure of the new Lebanese government is mostly ready, sources at the Baabda presidential palace told Asharq Al-Awsat on Monday.
The completion of the lineup is pending an agreement over the ministerial portfolios allocated to the Lebanese Forces and the name of the third Druze minister from outside of the Progressive Socialist Party.
“Following the return of President Michel Aoun from Armenia Friday, we might witness an effective translation of the positive climate and the Lebanese might witness the birth of their new cabinet very soon, most probably before the end of the month,” the sources said.
On Thursday, Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri inspired optimism in the country, saying the government will be formed within a week to 10 days.
However, pessimism pervaded the next day when caretaker Foreign Minister Jebran Bassil placed a new criterion for the government formation by granting each parliamentary bloc one minister for every five deputies won during the last May 12 elections, driving frustration among most political forces.
Since making his comments last week, Hariri has remained silent over the latest developments related to his government formation.
However, sources close to the PM-designate told Asharq Al-Awsat that he has maintained his optimism.
“The PM is counting on the wisdom of Aoun and his keenness to resolve the crisis,” the sources said, adding that Hariri was still receiving positive signs from the president.
“He expects another meeting with the president when he returns from his official trip to Armenia,” they said.
Political circles are currently anticipating Bassil’s upcoming television interview on Thursday to determine whether he will preserve the positive environment in the country.
“Bassil will express his position regarding the cabinet formation process, but will not put an obstacle in the efforts exerted in this regard,” the sources added.
