The Council of Ministers held a session chaired by Prime Minister Najib Mikati this morning at the Serail, attended by Deputy Prime Minister Saadeh Shami, and Ministers of Interior and Municipalities Judge Bassam Mawlawi, Education and Higher Education Judge Abbas Halabi, Communications Johnny Qarm, Public Health Firas Al-Abyad, Industry George Boujikian, Youth and Sports George Klass, Media Ziad Al-Makari, Public Works and Transport Ali Hamieh, Agriculture Abbas Al-Haj Hassan, Culture Judge Mohammed Mortada, Finance Youssef Khalil, Environment Nasser Yassine, Economy and Trade Amin Salam, Administrative Development Najla Riachi, and Labor Mustafa Bayram, along with the Director General of the Presidency of the Republic Dr. Antoine Shakher and the Secretary General of the Council of Ministers Judge Mahmoud Makiyeh.
After the meeting, Media Minister Ziad Al-Makari read out the session's decisions, stating that the items related to the Ministry of Health were discussed by Minister Al-Abyad, as well as the topic of wheat by the Minister of Economy and the Minister of Agriculture. Approval was granted for financing a global tender through the Civil Aviation Organization for purchasing radar equipment, and the maintenance and guarding contract for the Naameh landfill was extended.
In health matters, an advance payment for the Ministry of Health for social assistance and another advance for cancer and chronic diseases was approved. There is a draft decree for a loan agreement between the Lebanese Republic and the World Bank to establish and implement a project to enhance Lebanon's response to the "COVID-19" pandemic.
In financial matters, a draft law was approved for the collection of revenue and the expenditure of funds from February 1, 2023, until the 2023 budget is issued based on the twelfth of the month rule.
Regarding educational affairs, the Minister of Education announced the approval of an aid of 1 billion and 50 million Lebanese pounds for the Ministry of Education, and 1 billion and 500 million for the public sector as a whole. Concerning the Lebanese University, there are hourly contracted trainers who used to receive their fees at the end of the year, and their contracts will be organized so they can receive their salaries at the beginning of the year.
The Supreme Relief Commission was tasked with cooperating with the engineers' unions in Beirut and Tripoli, municipalities, and security forces to conduct a comprehensive survey of buildings damaged by the earthquake and landslides on public roads, and to report to the Council of Ministers.
Regarding municipal elections, the item was deferred, with the cost estimated at 8 million and 900 thousand dollars, although the Interior Minister confirmed the ministry's and government's readiness to conduct the elections. In response to a question, he stated that there is a possibility to postpone the municipal election date.
On the discussion between the Ministers of Industry and Economy within the session, the Minister of Industry objected to the inclusion of items related to his ministry, such as tiles and granite, in the list sent to customs without prior consultation.
When asked why there is a withdrawal from "special drawing rights" despite a loan from the World Bank for wheat, he answered that it was necessary due to the delay of the loan and the need to act upon the arrival of a vessel.
On Lebanon's contribution to the United Nations, he stated that the Prime Minister would address the issue with the Foreign Minister.
Minister of Health Firas Al-Abyad stated that he wanted to reassure citizens regarding health matters, particularly concerning cancer patients. He reiterated that there would be no lifting of support for cancer medications and renal dialysis supplies. An essential item pending in the Cabinet was the approval of a treasury advance of 364 billion Lebanese pounds monthly to maintain this support, ensuring drug prices remain stabilized at 1,500 pounds.
He also noted that the Council approved a treasury advance of 90 billion Lebanese pounds to pay social assistance for healthcare workers for 2022, emphasizing their full-time dedication to providing medical services.
Minister of Education Judge Abbas Halabi emphasized that a significant part of the session was dedicated to educational issues. The decisions made aim to ensure the continuation of the academic year and restore students to their classes. The Council approved productivity allowances and increased transport allowances for educational staff and allocated funds for the Lebanese University.
Minister of Agriculture Abbas Al-Haj Hassan reported that three key central decisions were made regarding the agricultural sector, including an 8 million dollar advance for the Ministry of Economy for wheat support, with 1.5 million allocated to continue agricultural sustainability.
The Minister of Economy and Trade, Amin Salam, stated that the main focus was on the World Bank loan and ensuring remaining financial commitments to address current wheat needs.
Minister of Public Works and Transport Ali Hamieh extended condolences for the earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria, announcing the formation of a commission to survey damaged buildings and provide necessary aid.
Minister of Environment Nasser Yassine mentioned that the Cabinet decided to follow up on the earthquake disaster and formed a maritime rescue team to support Turkey during this humanitarian crisis.
