Al-Rahi: Parliament Must Take into Consideration State's Capabilities when Studying Wage Scale

Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi hoped on Sunday that parliament would take into consideration the people's rights as it studies the new wage scale during a session on Tuesday.

He said: “We hope parliament will take into consideration the people's rights and the state's capabilities when studying the scale.”

He made his remarks during a sermon on the occasion of Palm Sunday.

In addition, the patriarch said that needed reforms at state institutions linked to the wage scale should be tackled by parliament during its session next week.

The Joint Parliamentary Committees referred on Friday the new wage scale to parliament after arduous discussions that were accompanied by demonstrations by the Syndicate Coordination Committee that was pressuring lawmakers to refer the scale to parliament.

Parliament is scheduled to meet on Tuesday in order address the scale.

Commenting on the presidential elections, al-Rahi hoped that Speaker Nabih Berri would schedule parliament sessions in order to address the polls and possible candidates.

He urged the need for consultations among the political parties in order to reach an agreement on a presidential candidate so that the polls would be held within the constitutional deadline, which began on March 25.

Al-Rahi had remarked on Friday that the patriarchate does not meddle in the presidential elections, saying that this issue concerns parliament alone.

He added that he will accept any legitimately-elected president regardless whether he is a member of the March 8 or 14 alliance.

President Michel Suleiman's six-year term ends in May. but the constitution states that parliament should choose a new head of state within a two-month period.

Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea was the first to announce that he will run for the presidency and is set to unveil his presidential program next week.