The Ministerial Council has withdrawn the draft law for bank regulation from discussion for further review, and each minister is to present their alternative proposal officially at a later stage. Additionally, increases for public sector employees have been approved, with a minimum of $400 and a maximum of $1,200. Furthermore, three additional salaries were approved for active military personnel and retirees.
At the beginning of the session held today, Wednesday, at the governmental palace, Prime Minister Najib Mikati reiterated the importance of the meeting's agenda, which includes 27 items, among them providing temporary compensation for all public sector workers and retirees, and calling on the international community to pressure Israel to stop its aggressions and violations of Lebanese sovereignty. Mikati condemned the Israeli attacks on Lebanon and the resulting casualties, urging for "raising our voice towards the international community and humanitarian organizations," while denouncing the Israeli aggressions against Lebanon and Gaza.
He added, "In every meeting and international gathering we participate in, we reaffirm Lebanon's commitment to its role and the values it represents, and at the same time, we sense the countries' concern for our situation. In this context, we deeply appreciate the French and American efforts to protect Lebanon and rely on their endeavors to deter aggression. We reiterate our call for the implementation of Resolution 1701 in all its provisions and compel Israel to abide by it and halt its violations and aggression."
Mikati stated: "As in every session, we emphasize the national and constitutional necessity to elect a president for the republic, which is the responsibility of all members of parliament and rises to the level of the national duty we all must bear from our constitutional and national positions, away from the logic of political bidding. No sincere Lebanese wishes anything but to elect a president as soon as possible."
He continued, "Regarding the living demands of public sector employees, we face daily challenges and legitimate demands, which we understand responsibly and deal with realistically, avoiding any populist behavior. We are concerned with the dignity and stability of every citizen, whether employee, retiree, or rightful depositor in particular. Stability is indivisible: constitutional stability, security stability, economic stability, and social stability. Political responsibility is a national duty, in which the visions of the opposition integrate with the capabilities of governance, as we strive together to build our capabilities that enable us to overcome challenges and transition to a stable environment."
He added, "We benefit from our national unity to confront emergencies and witness comprehensive condemnation of the Israeli aggressions. We look attentively and responsibly at the demands of employees and retirees of all categories and designations. The government is working prudently to ensure justice for all without haste. I hope that legitimate movements remain free from any political exploitation during this critical stage of the country's life. During the session, we will discuss the proposals we've reached to agree on a solution that balances the many needs with the available resources in the state treasury."
He concluded: "It is our joint responsibility to care for the Lebanese generations, both old and young, to meet their expectations, and to encourage them to take initiative and express their opinions, as we respect their role and future."
**Before the Session**
Before starting the session, Minister of Displaced Persons Issam Sharafeddine stated: "I have recorded a written objection to the draft law for banking regulation, and it is likely that the law will be withdrawn for further study. This is my opinion and that of the Minister of Economy as well." Meanwhile, Minister of Industry George Bouchikian stated: "The withdrawal of the banking regulation draft law is possible, and we assure retired soldiers that we will do our utmost to ensure justice for them." For his part, Minister of Economy Amin Salam stated: "I support granting retired soldiers an increase of 8 million in cash and another 8 million via a credit card." Environmental Minister Nasser Yassin confirmed that today's session aims to discuss the law for recovering depositors' funds, noting that some matters require amendments. He added: "The basis is to protect people's rights, but we must be realistic, and there must be consultation between the state, the Central Bank, the banks, and the depositors."
Minister of Information Ziad Makary stated: "The provisions are expected to be approved in today's session." Makary announced that "the increases approved by the government will be retroactive from December 1, 2023." As for the matter related to banks, it has been postponed for further discussion, while Makary confirmed that "the ministers provided additional observations."
**Salary Increases:**
The Cabinet approved salary increases as follows:
- Active military personnel will receive 3 additional salaries, bringing their total to 9 monthly salaries.
- Retirees will also receive 3 additional salaries, totaling 9 monthly salaries.
- Administrators will receive 2 additional salaries, totaling 9 monthly salaries.
- A monthly bonus for employees based on specific productivity criteria.
- A daily attendance allowance for employees of between 8 to 16 liters of gasoline, for a maximum of 14 working days a month provided there are no absences.
- Monthly salary costs will amount to 10.7 trillion Lebanese lira.
- The additional cost of the plan will be 2.9 trillion Lebanese lira.
