Egypt's president-elect Mursi begins forming government

Egypt’s first democratically-elected president, Mohammed Mursi, has started forming a government, after promising to be a leader for all Egyptians.

World leaders have congratulated the Muslim Brotherhood’s candidate, who defeated ex-PM Ahmed Shafiq. Mr Mursi could be sworn in on 30 June, although questions remain over the extent of his authority. The ruling military council has taken control of many of the president’s powers and has dissolved parliament.

Mr Mursi on Monday moved to the presidential office to begin consultations on his cabinet. Campaign spokeswoman Nermine Mohammed Hassan told Agence France-Presse: “He has already started with a list of names he is considering. He says he will declare the cabinet soon.”

Mr Mursi’s priorities will be the battered economy, a deteriorating security situation and the drawing up of the new constitution, correspondents say.

The cabinet appointed by the ruling military is expected to resign on Monday and assume caretaker duties, until Mr Mursi’s team takes office.