Egypt cabinet formation delayed as PM continues talks

The expected formation of Egypt's new cabinet has been held up after several candidates turned down offers of ministerial positions from Prime Minister Ibrahim Mehleb, two government sources said on Sunday.

Mehleb is forming a new government following President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's election victory last month. He had not been expected to make sweeping changes, and officials had said he would unveil his new cabinet on Sunday.

But government sources said on Sunday evening the premier was still trying to fill several portfolios.

“There have been apologies from some of the nominated candidates including those who were asked for the ministries of investment, justice, culture and information," one source said.

"The prime minister is still conducting talks and holding meetings to pick other new candidates for those ministries."