Change and Reform Rejects Increase in VAT to Fund New Wage Scale
إقرأ هذا الخبر بالعربية
The Change and Reform bloc reiterated on Tuesday its commitment to its stances regarding the new wage scale and its funding.
MP Ibrahim Kanaan said after the bloc's weekly meeting: “We continue to reject increasing the Value Added Tax to fund the wage scale as we cannot add more burdens on the people.”
In addition, he noted that the salary hike should respect reforms and take state revenues into consideration.
Jutstice should also be achieved between the teachers of the private and public schools, remarked the MP.
“We hope that the case of the new wage scale will be resolved and that all concerned would obtain their rights,” stressed Kanaan.
The salary hike has been at the center of controversy since it was approved by the government of ex-PM Najib Miqati in 2012. Several parliamentary blocs had refused to approve the draft-law over fears that it would have devastating effects on the economy.
But recent meetings held between several blocs and Speaker Nabih Berri led to a deal on the scale.
The most recent of these meetings took place between the speaker and head of the Mustaqbal bloc MP Fouad Saniora.
The bloc had previously voiced its reservations over the wage scale draft-law.
Parliament is scheduled to convene on Wednesday in order to tackle the issue and other draft-laws.
30 September 2014, 18:49
52
Of course we have to increase VAT. How can we operate a country and if we keep on accumulating debt?
I usually support the FPM. But they are more and more taking popular decisions which are bad for the country in order to portray themsleves as good guys as to gain gain votes at any price.
30 September 2014, 20:35
47
they should tax you and your hizb of scum for the 50 thousand rockets you have
30 September 2014, 21:58
14
FT. As southern said, VAT applies to every single citizen. Increasing VAT is actually pro capitalist. Not pro socialist.
The alternative is increasing taxes on rich people incomes (Real estate, expensive cars...) and that would be a socialist measure.
But then again, I dont expect you to understand. High economics for you.
01 October 2014, 11:03
01
If Mr Kanaan had a brain... he would come up with ideas to create wealth...
When you encourage the people to create wealth, the state takes advantage of it. In a country where the economical situation is already dramatic, I agree that raising new taxes is not a solution but a desperate measure that will backfire in no time.
You want a better economy... disarm the filthy militia, encourage foreign investments, make this country attractive instead of encouraging HB to keep its weapons and scare away all potential investors, including the powerful diaspora...
30 September 2014, 21:05
27
hello samy!!! are you referring to flamethrower or southern? or perhaps both? please confirm
30 September 2014, 21:18
17
Judging by number of comments, @_Southern_, @-..flamethrower.. win the spamming contest hands down.
30 September 2014, 22:46
23
Raising taxes is a bad thing. true. But Berri hired so many shias in the public sector and we have to pay them. either by taking debt or taxing. The least bad solution is the VAT.
