Amid confusion surrounding the draft law for the restructuring of banks, known as the law concerning the handling and reorganization of banks in Lebanon, the Cabinet is set to hold a session today at 3:30 PM. This meeting is encircled by two main challenges: the internal conflict among its members regarding the law and the external pressure from retired military personnel who aim to prevent ministers from reaching the session after rejecting the government's proposals for settling their status.
Sources at the Grand Serail confirmed to "Al-Jumhuriya" that the session will proceed as scheduled, with Prime Minister Najib Mikati receiving ongoing feedback to discuss at the Cabinet table. He is expected to consider these comments with openness, as previously promised since the project was published, in addition to a new topic concerning incentives for Ministry of Finance employees, which arose outside the meeting agenda due to recent developments.
A prominent government source expressed surprise at the urgency to discuss this unclear project, creating additional problems on top of existing ones. He clarified to "Al-Jumhuriya" that each party has significant concerns regarding the fate of deposits, ensuring their recovery, and the criteria used for classifying these deposits. He noted that in a time of turmoil, people are anxious about their future and that of their country, while some present issues at inappropriate times. He revealed that the current direction is to postpone discussions on the project for further study.
Ministerial sources revealed to "Al-Jumhuriya" that most ministers would reject the plan, a sentiment echoed by several ministers including those from the Amal Movement and Hezbollah. Additionally, Minister of Economy Amin Salam and Minister of Education Abbas Halabi indicated they have objections that could undermine the plan entirely.
On the eve of the Cabinet session designated for discussing the law related to bank conditions in Lebanon and its reorganization, Prime Minister Najib Mikati took steps to address administrative backlash that arose within several ministries, public institutions, and government hospitals against the allocation of substantial incentives to employees in the Ministry of Finance and certain financial institutions. He contacted Minister of Finance Youssef Khalil, requesting to halt the additional incentives allocated to specific public employees, with a commitment to continue discussions on the matter during today's Cabinet session outside the agenda.
In response, employees from the Ministry of Finance and the institutions benefiting from the incentives organized a similar strike, pausing their activities and halting services to citizens across various financial and administrative departments, leading to general disruption.
Following the deadline set by organizations representing retired military personnel from various institutions and security agencies, which concluded yesterday morning at 9 AM, these organizations announced they would mobilize today at Riad Al-Solh Square to block all access roads leading to the Grand Serail and would not allow the Cabinet session to take place despite ongoing attempts to facilitate it.
Retired military sources told "Al-Jumhuriya" that they plan to again encircle the Grand Serail to prevent ministers from arriving, as they feel the government’s proposed solution is inadequate. Their demands include:
- Setting a minimum wage and determining its overall cost from allocated budgets.
- Deducting the cost of the minimum wage from allocated funds and equally distributing the remainder among all.
- Government approval of a phased plan to correct salaries in accordance with growing state revenues while preserving monetary stability.
- Halting various forms of discretionary grants, including productivity bonuses or transport allowances, aimed at excluding retirees.
Yesterday, organizations representing military personnel protested at provincial headquarters from Tripoli to Sidon and Beqaa in rejection of the neglect of their financial status and the insufficient size of incentives determined in a manner that fails to secure their minimal rights. They claimed these actions do not lead to a fair and sustainable solution for salary and wage corrections ensuring equity and the minimal right to a decent living, particularly as they have not compensated even a small fraction of the savings seized from them in banks.
Last night, the "Retired Military Personnel Gathering" declared its absolute rejection of the latest offer made by the Cabinet concerning wage increases and affirmed its appreciation for the stance taken by the Veterans Association against the offer. It called for the association to partner in movements against the injustices faced by retirees' rights. It urged all military retirees and employees to participate en masse in the protest on February 23 (today) around the Cabinet to prevent the government session from occurring.
