The Lebanese parliament continued on Wednesday discussing the state budget draft law as proposed by the government after it convened on Tuesday for the same purpose.
MP Neemat Freim, in a speech delivered during the budget debate, asserted that the Lebanese state has proven itself to be a “failed employer in administration,” and that “a monumental effort must be undertaken by the state to bring capital back to Lebanon.”
He argued that “the issue of retirees in both the public and private sectors will not be resolved unless Parliament intervenes.”
He added, “In the public sector, most people live on $300, and this is unacceptable. End-of-service benefits should be treated like deposits, as if they were part of the basic deposit scale.” Speaker Berri responded that the law was being worked on.
Regarding the elections, MP Frem stated that if the existing law is unenforceable and the enforceable law is unenforceable, then a new law should be enacted. He added, “The time has come for a House of Representatives and a Senate simultaneously, because reform requires an effective Senate.”
MP Sami Gemayel stated that “the budget is simply the state’s income and expenditure, and the people have expectations of us bringing in funds,” urging Presidents Aoun and Salam, in whom he has full confidence, not to let bureaucracy diminish their ambitions.
He continued, “It is unacceptable to approve a budget without a final accounting, as this is the foundation for budget approval.”
He added: “We are committed to every Lebanese living on this land, therefore we must return as Lebanese who believe in partnership, respect one another, and reassure one another.”
In this context, MP Ihab Hamadeh, a member of the Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc, interrupted Gemayel, saying: “No one can exclude us, and we do not suffer from a fear of exclusion.”
MP Halima Qaaqour affirmed that the remarks of the foreign minister Youssef Rajji about the Israeli enemy’s right to attack Lebanon is dangerous legally and financially.
Lebanon would not be able to demand financial compensations because of Rajji’s remarks, she added.
MP Qaaqour asked the government about its measures in face of the ongoing Israeli attacks.
Several other MPs addressed the conferees, presenting their views of the state budget law.
Source: Al-Manar English Website