Miqati: Attacks on Govt. Won't Impede Us from Shouldering Our Responsibilities

Prime Minister Najib Miqati on Thursday hoped the parliament “will practice its constitutional right in discussing the draft state budget and approving it as soon as possible,” noting that campaigns against the government “will not impede us.”

“The draft state budget does not include any new taxes that could have exhausted the Lebanese citizen during the current circumstances in Lebanon and the region,” Miqati reiterated during a cabinet session held at the Grand Serail.

Cabinet approved on Wednesday the 2012 state budget draft law, referring it to parliament.

LBC television said that several “contentious” issues were removed from the draft law.

Authorities were so far covering the expenses of state institutions through the approval of extra-budgetary spending bills.

The budget does not include any new taxes, but it may impose fees on certain items such as tobacco, cigarettes, alcoholic beverages and luxury cars that cost more than $35,000 in the countries of origin.

“Those accusing the government of negligence are not only overlooking the tangible facts that refute their claims, but are also insisting on a policy that is against the country’s higher interest and its stability, security, prosperity and progress,” Miqati added.

The premier stressed that attacks against the government “will not impede us from shouldering our responsibilities.”

“Neither malicious smear campaigns nor false claims can do that,” he added.

“We are looking forward to the security measures that will be taken by the army on the Lebanese border in the North and the Bekaa, which are aimed at restoring security and stability and preventing casualties among the residents of the border areas,” Miqati said.

Separately, among the most prominent decisions taken by cabinet on Thursday was approving the first phase of the so-called national program for supporting the most underprivileged families, which will begin by offering social benefits to 13,929 families who live below the poverty line.