Egypt’s cabinet reshuffle will see six ministers replaced, Al-Ahram Arabic news website has reported, citing a government source.
President Morsi had intended to replace ten ministers, the source added, but the number was trimmed to six because he could not persuade enough replacements to join his cabinet.
The difficulty in finding replacement ministers is also why the reshuffle was delayed, the source added.
The new ministers, who could be sworn in next Tuesday, are expected to be those of justice, legal and prosecution affairs, culture, agriculture, planning and international cooperation, as well as one of the economic portfolio ministries, added the source.
Prime Minister Hisham Qandil, criticised by the opposition as ineffectual, will keep his job in the limited reshuffle, the presidency said last week.
Egypt’s opposition has long demanded Qandil and his cabinet be replaced.
Justice Minister Ahmed Mekki resigned on 21 April in advance of the reshuffle in which he was expected to be replaced.
The presidential office is also expected to announce members of its legal and judicial team shortly, an informed source close to the presidency said on Wednesday. It is expected to include 16 academics and law professors, along with judges.