Consultations for the formation of the government remain stagnant amid ongoing disputes over the distribution of portfolios, especially the Ministry of Energy. There seem to be no signs of a resolution in the coming days, according to sources familiar with the negotiations speaking to "Asharq Al-Awsat". The sources pointed out that the issue persists with President Michel Aoun's insistence on keeping the Ministry of Energy within his share and that of the "Free Patriotic Movement," or replacing it with the Ministry of Interior, a proposal rejected by Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati, who allocated Energy to a Sunni figure in the cabinet he presented to Aoun, which consists of 24 ministers, while retaining the Ministry of Interior for the Sunni community.
The cabinet formation process was discussed during a visit by Mikati and his advisor, former Minister Nicolas Nahas, to the Orthodox Bishopric, where they met with Bishop Elias Aoudeh. Mikati emerged from the meeting announcing that they had discussed the consultations but refused to elaborate on the details or respond to journalists' questions about the government. He simply stated after the meeting: "As long as we work with sincerity, belonging, and patriotism, God willing, salvation will be near."
