Yemeni Deputy Foreign Minister Mustafa al-Noman discusses the lengthy formation of a new government reflecting geographic representation amidst internal divisions and political negotiations.
Mustafa al-Noman, the Yemeni Deputy Foreign Minister, explained that the formation of the new government took longer than expected due to extensive discussions regarding the principle of 'parity' between the north and south of Yemen, in addition to the need to balance competencies and regional representation. This led to the creation of a larger government with 35 ministers, surpassing public expectations compared to the previous government.
In an interview with Al Jazeera during the seventeenth Al Jazeera Forum in Doha, al-Noman acknowledged the understandable criticisms regarding the size of the government, particularly as smaller governments tend to be more agile, efficient, and cohesive. However, he noted that political and regional calculations compelled the Prime Minister to address these concerns, attempting to stabilize the situation and ensure broader geographic representation in an environment described as abnormal, where considerations of 'appeasement' sometimes overshadow standards of efficiency.
Recently, the Presidential Leadership Council of Yemen issued a decision regarding the formation of the government and its members. Dr. Shaaib Mohsen Al-Zandani was appointed as the Prime Minister and is tasked with the foreign ministry and other responsibilities, aiming to navigate Yemen's complex political landscape amidst ongoing strife and the need for negotiation between various factions of the country.
