There were high expectations on Friday on the near formation of the new government after concerned political parties expressed positive stances and reduced their rhetoric. Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri seemed optimistic that the cabinet would be formed in the near future. Sources informed about the PM’s consultations said a government could see the light starting next Saturday, most probably when Speaker Nabih Berri returns from a trip to Geneva. “Only minor details are currently obstructing the announcement” of the line-up after Hariri was able to distribute seats among the different factions and was able to meet their demands, they said. Those same sources revealed that the consultations led to an agreement to offer the Lebanese Forces the deputy premier’s position, in addition to the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Culture, which was from Hariri’s share. There are also efforts to give the LF a fourth portfolios, specifically the Ministry of Social Affairs. However, other sources said the announcement of the new government line-up hinges on President Michel Aoun’s green light to transfer the Justice Ministry from the Free Patriotic Movement to the LF. On Thursday, Aoun said: "We are working on the formation of a national unity government and the latest contacts fall within that framework.” It seems the new government would lack a blocking majority, which requires a party to have more than one third or more than 11 votes out of the 30-member cabinet. For his part, LF deputy George Adwan said: "We hope to have an efficient government that reflects the confidence of the citizens. Any unbalanced cabinet is doomed to failure.” LF leader Samir Geagea warned that some parties have no intention to form the government, saying their main concern is to limit the size of the Lebanese Forces representation.