Mr Mursi has faced harsh criticism for the amount of time he has taken to put a government together with his Prime Minister-designate Hisham Qandil, as he was elected back in June. His nomination of Qandil has also surprised many, as he is the outgoing water minister.

Other nominations for posts include Mohammed Hussein Tantawi, a former military leader, as defence minister, while Egyptian media have suggested that Foreign Minister Mohammed Kamal Amr, Finance Minister Mumtaz al-Said and Interior Minister Maj-Gen Ahmed Jamal al-Din are set to keep their positions.

State media has so far named 18 ministerial posts, which include two members of the influential Muslim Brotherhood and Justice Party, which Mr Mursi used to lead.

Mr Qandil, when asked what the criterion was for appointments, replied with “competence”, while Mursi added in a statement: "all political forces and the people of Egypt to support us in this difficult mission" highlighting the economic and social challenges on the road ahead.

Maj-Gen al-Din said of his post, “Given the circumstances that have been taking place in the country the coming period will need us all - the government and the people - to work together to maintain stability.”