Tensions flare as MPs convene to discuss state budget

Parliament convened Wednesday to discuss the 2024 state budget in a heated session during which MPs loudly exchanged accusations.

Change MP Melhem Khalaf left the session after an argument with Speaker Nabih Berri who did not allow Khalaf to speak as the latter criticized holding a session when "the parliament's priority should be to elect a president."

Crisis-hit Lebanon has been without a president since Michel Aoun's term ended in October last year, with neither of the two main blocs -- Hezbollah and its opponents -- having the majority required to elect one.

Khalaf said the session was unconstitutional as he left "like a hero".

Amal MP Ali Hassan Khalil accused the Change MPs of "childishness", describing them as Mafias, to which Change MP Paula Yacoubian responded that Khalil, who is charged in connection with the 2020 Beirut port blast, has no right to talk about mafias.

Free Patriotic Movement MP Ibrahim Kanaan criticized the budget draft law, considering it a violation to the constitution, and described the government as "dishonourable", while MP George Adwan of the Lebanese Forces bloc said that “there is no benefit from any state budgets, reforms or decisions” if “the war and peace decisions” are not “in the state’s hands.”

Addressing caretaker PM Najib Mikati, Adwan added: “Do not bring to parliament any recovery plan that involves writing off the deposits.”

“We hope the plan will be based on improving the finances and customs,” Adwan added.

Deputy Speaker Elias Bou Saab also lashed out at Mikati, accusing him of “pouring oil on fire in the dispute between the defense minister and the army commander.”

“If (Amal MP and former minister) Ghazi Zoaiter was the defense minister, would you have dealt with him the same way you dealt with Minister Maurice Slim?” Bou Saab asked Mikati.