Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati called for speeding up the election of a president, warning that the current vacancy could lead to a constitutional crisis. During a cabinet session, he praised the Finance Ministry for submitting the budget on time for the second year in a row and highlighted upcoming decisions on public sector pay raises, including for current and retired civilians and military personnel.
Mikati expressed surprise over protests outside the Grand Serail, explaining that temporary social assistance is being given to public employees until parliament passes the budget.
On the situation in southern Lebanon, Mikati said 140,000 people have been displaced, with the Emergency Committee, led by Minister Nasser Yassin, providing relief. He condemned Israel's ongoing attacks on civilians and aid workers and noted Lebanon's plan to file another complaint with the UN Security Council, despite past complaints being neglected.
Mikati also urged action against steep increases in school and university fees and called on the Minister of Education and other authorities to address price hikes to ease citizens' financial burdens.
Mikati expressed surprise over protests outside the Grand Serail, explaining that temporary social assistance is being given to public employees until parliament passes the budget.
On the situation in southern Lebanon, Mikati said 140,000 people have been displaced, with the Emergency Committee, led by Minister Nasser Yassin, providing relief. He condemned Israel's ongoing attacks on civilians and aid workers and noted Lebanon's plan to file another complaint with the UN Security Council, despite past complaints being neglected.
Mikati also urged action against steep increases in school and university fees and called on the Minister of Education and other authorities to address price hikes to ease citizens' financial burdens.