Deputy George Attallah issued a statement commenting on the circular from the Central Bank of Lebanon regarding the calculation of judges' salaries based on a dollar equivalent to 8,000 Lebanese pounds, and the possibility of this circular also applying to deputies. He stated, "We were amazed by the Central Bank's governor, who handles the funds of the Lebanese people, requesting banks to calculate judges' salaries based on a dollar equivalent to 8,000 Lebanese pounds, thus violating laws, especially the Currency and Credit Law, as this issue requires legislation, not a circular or a request to banks."
He continued, "While we fully recognize the urgent need to correct judges' salaries, we emphasize that this correction cannot be for a specific group of public sector employees without the others. What shall we say to school teachers, professors at the Lebanese University, local civil servants, finance department employees, court staff, and military personnel of all ranks?"
Attallah added, "The aforementioned decision by the Central Bank governor raises suspicion and doubt in terms of both timing and principle, targeting a group relied upon by the Lebanese to judge the governor and investigate him, ultimately revealing the details of a grave crime. It is issued with a circular that can only be described as corrupt."
He noted, "In addition to the above, some are circulating that this circular also includes deputies, although this is not true. However, I reiterate my rejection of any selectivity in correcting salaries for a group of public sector employees without the rest, especially as this is being done without any scientific foundations."
He added, "In a complete aside, should the Central Bank governor dare to issue a circular modifying the calculation method for deputies' salaries, I declare my refusal to accept my adjusted salary and will not agree to its modification until all public sector employees' salaries are corrected." He concluded, "I reiterate my call to all political forces, especially the Minister of Finance, to steer clear of political conflict regarding the central bank governor and to decide on his replacement to initiate the uncovering of the secrets wherein he protects those he protects."
