Beirut: Kataeb Party leader and MP Samy Gemayel expressed his opposition to any tax increases aimed at financing public sector salary hikes until comprehensive reforms are enacted. Gemayel highlighted the need for a thorough restructuring of the public sector, which includes eliminating ghost positions and establishing systems founded on efficiency and transparency.
According to National News Agency – Lebanon, Gemayel stated, “We reject raising taxes to fund public sector salary increases before carrying out a genuine and comprehensive reform of the sector,” in a message posted on X. He emphasized that citizens should not bear additional costs without addressing existing structural issues. Furthermore, Gemayel pointed out that no legislation to increase the value-added tax (VAT) or fuel taxes was on the Cabinet’s official agenda during a session on Monday. He mentioned that discussions on these matters occurred informally, outside the official agenda, and without the presence of the Minister of Justice.
Gemayel concluded by affirming that the Kataeb bloc will vote against any such tax increases in Parliament.