Egypt State Information Service (Cairo)
2 December 2011
Prime Minister designate Kamal el-Ganzouri said that he is looking forward to finalizing the formation of new government on Saturday.
In press statements Thursday 01/12/2011, Ganzouri said that the new government line-up will not include deputies to the premier.
He went on to say that he seeks to entrust three youths with assuming ministerial posts along with two women as well.
The government will group two ministers, who assumed their posts before the January 25 Revolution, he said.
Ganzouri said that top priority will be given to the return of security to the street as well as the move of the production wheel forward in the various sectors.
He added that he will return the Supply and Domestic Trade Ministry in a bid to control the rising prices.
The Insurances and Social Affairs Ministry will also be reinstated, he added.
Ganzouri said that he met with six potential ministers.
Asked about the minimum and maximum wage, Ganzouri said that this issue is crucial and has to be implemented.
He also said that he met with several presidential candidates who have turned down invitations to join his cabinet.
He further said that he asked to have full powers, affirming that he works for the sake of Egypt.
Ganzouri said only the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) has the authority to task and appoint any new government, according to the constitutional declaration.
In statements, he said a president of the country is the one who has the authority to appoint a new government.
The SCAF is now in the place of the president, he explained.
As part of his ongoing consultations to form a new government, Ganzouri met Thursday with Shaker Abdel-Hamid, a potential candidate for the culture ministry portfolio.
Abdel-Hamid was appointed as the Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Culture two months ago.
Ganzouri also met with Adel Abdel-Hamid, a potential candidate for the justice ministry portfolio.
Ganzouri also met with Hussein Abdel-Moneim el-Shebokshi, likely to take over the ministry of investment.
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