The Lebanese Companies Association held an important meeting at the headquarters of the Beirut and Mount Lebanon Chamber, headed by Dr. Basem Al-Bawab. The discussions mainly revolved around the proposal to raise the price of “gasoline newspaper” by 300,000 Lebanese pounds, in addition to increasing the “value-added tax” from 11% to 12%. The aim of these measures is to secure the necessary revenues to cover the proposed increase in public sector salaries, in addition to addressing the latest economic and financial developments.
In addition to the doorman, the meeting was attended by Vice President Hadi Soubra and Treasurer Patrick Charabati, in addition to members: Alphonse Dib, Heba Bawarchi, Hisham Ayloush, Rula Khoury, and Ziad Shihab El-Din.
After extensive deliberations, the group issued a statement in which it expressed its deep disappointment that the new government, “which we consider to be reformist,” continues to adopt the same methods adopted by previous governments, which greatly contributed to the financial and social collapse that the country is witnessing.
While the assembly emphasized that public sector employees deserve their demands for salary increases, it expressed its complete rejection of increasing the burdens on the national economy and citizens under any circumstances, especially with the presence of multiple other sources that can be exploited to finance this increase. The group warned of the negative and dangerous consequences that may result from the new taxes on the economy and society.
The gathering also stressed the importance of carrying out comprehensive reform and restructuring of the public sector, either before or simultaneously with the salary increase. He stressed that public sector reform represents the cornerstone of rebuilding the state and achieving the desired financial stability.
