The expected governmental reshuffle might expand to target five portfolios, according to local reports.
The reshuffle will reportedly replace the ministers of Economy and of the Displaced, as well as the Ministers of Youth & Sports, Social Affairs, and Foreign Affairs. This is expected to be soon finalized in order for the cabinet to be formed before the end of President Aoun’s term.
According to sources of al-Joumhouria daily, the delay is deliberate for three essential reasons:
The first is aimed at shortening the term of the new government in order not to allow Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) leader Gebran Bassil to take the appointments package that he wants.
The second is due to the fact that time is playing against the presidential tenure and negotiations will push him to accept minimal rather than maximal gains.
The third is a political message addressed to the Presidency that its validity has expired and that responding positively to the formation efforts comes at the desire of Hezbollah and not the Presidency.
