13 Sep 2005

Vanuatu PM dismisses reshuffle rumours, Greens request three more portfolios

2:21 pm on 13 September 2005

Vanuatu's Prime Minister has confirmed that he has no intention of making any further reshuffle of his cabinet.

The Daily Post reports that in a statement Ham Lini has dismissed rumours of an imminent reshuffle in government, saying any move would not help the economic situation of the country.

Meanwhile, Mr Lini has received a letter from the Greens Confederation, one of the parties in his government coalition, requesting three extra portfolios, namely agriculture, Ni-Vanuatu business, and training and youth.

Three months ago the prime minister had directed the Greens to shore up support for his government.

Since then, the Greens, led by the finance minister Moana Carcasses, have increased their number from the original five MPs to 10, by getting in MPs from the Opposition.

Now one of the key groupings in a ten-party coalition with a clear majority, the Greens have assured Mr Lini that if they were allocated extra ministries he could be guaranteed government until 2008.

Mr Lini is yet to make a decision on the Greens' request.