In a press interview, Bassil stressed to reporters that the Free Patriotic Movement is not to blame for the Cabinet formation delay, saying: “Everything I say today aims to expedite the formation of the Cabinet.”

On the conflict over government quotas, Bassil said: “A fair distribution of portfolios is to allocate one minster to every five parliamentarians of the same political bloc, because if we adopt the criteria of four ministers, we would end up with 38 ministers."

“We don’t interfere in the formation process. We have not made any initiative or contact in that regard. I challenge those who say that I have taken the initiative to form a government, as it is the task of the Premier-designate. But we demand political justice in the formation," he said.

On the Druze representation obstacle, Bassil said: “We have not created a (separate) bloc for (Druze) MP Talal Arslan. We have waged the elections together (as Strong Lebanon bloc) which created a new political partnership that can’t be ignored.”

On the conflict over a so-called sovereign portfolio and the Deputy PM post, he said: “Targeting the President's share is a serious strategic matter. We are giving up everything in terms of the LF obstacle contrary to what some are circulating.

“The LF is entitled to three ministers. The number of State portfolios dedicated to Christians is well known, so why make them all part of our share? We want a full-fledged Maarab agreement," Bassil said, noting that naming the Deputy Prime Minister is the President's right as “per custom.”