The interim cabinet held its first meeting on Sunday to discuss political reconciliation efforts. The meeting, headed by Prime Minister Hazem El-Beblawi, laid out an action plan, which covered public relations and reviewing the army's transitional roadmap. The ministers also discussed ways to jumpstart the stalled economy, state-owned news agency MENA reported. Efforts of the security apparatus to restore calm across the country were also discussed. The meeting was held amid tight security, as reports indicated that supporters of ousted President Mohamed Morsi would protest outside the cabinet building and possibly disrupt the meeting, according to the ONA news agency. The new cabinet, sworn-in on 16 July, includes 34 ministers; however, the ministers of justice and transportation have yet to be named. On 17 July Morsi supporters gathered near the cabinet building in downtown Cairo to denounce El-Beblawi's "illegitimate" government. Interim president Adly Mansour addressed the nation on Thursday, saying the new cabinet was formed based on the will of the people, and that it included "patriotic, efficient ministers capable of overcoming the current challenges."
