July 30th, 2009 by Blake

Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri announced yesterday that opposition and coalition blocs have agreed on the shape of a national unity cabinet. The decision comes after fiercely contested debate about the composition of the government since the March 14 coalition’s win in Lebanon’s June 12 election.  More disagreement among blocs has emerged as the discussions move to divide ministerial portfolios among the cabinet.

The 15-10-5 power sharing formula is set to award 15 seats to the majority and 10 to the opposition, which includes Hezbollah. Five cabinet members will be appointed by the president.  Such a balance deprives the opposition of a veto power–which Hezbollah had stubbornly demanded–unless it is supported by other cabinet members.  General Michel Aoun criticized the decision, calling for proportional cabinet representation, which would include five Christians.  

Posted in Elections, Hezbollah, Lebanon, Political Parties |