Egypt leaders promise cabinet change after lawmakers threaten strike: report

The head of Egypt's ruling military council promised a cabinet reshuffle within 48 hours, an apparent concession to parliament hours after lawmakers announced a strike meant to pressure authorities over the issue, Egypt's state news agency reported, according to Reuters. 

Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi's announcement Sunday came after parliament speaker Saad el-Katatni said lawmakers would suspend activities to protest the ruling military and "safeguard the chamber’s dignity and that of its members," reported The Associated Press. 

Parliament has been locked in a dispute with Egypt's ruling military over changes to the government appointed by the generals after they took power following the overthrow of longtime leader Hosni Mubarak by popular protest a year ago, according to Reuters. 

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It was not immediately clear whether the move would placate parliament. Lawmakers demand that they be a part of the formation of a new cabinet, according to AP, making it unclear whether the reshuffle reportedly promised by Tantawi would suffice. 

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The generals in November installed Prime Minister Kamal Ganzouri, who served as prime minister under Mubarak from 1996-1999, as the new head of the civilian government — an appointment that was met with widespread fury. 

Tensions between the ruling Supreme Council of the Armed Forces and the Islamist-dominated legislature have been growing since Egypt held historic parliamentary elections three months ago, according to AP. 

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