Beirut: Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati has insisted on paying the new salary scale in installments, a decision that has drawn sharp criticism from the Union Coordination Committee, which has threatened to paralyze the state with strikes.
According to National news agency - Lebanon, the disagreement has escalated tensions, with unions planning a two-day strike as a form of protest.
The salary scale issue has become a major point of contention, with Mikati facing mounting pressure from various labor groups demanding full payment. The Union Coordination Committee, representing teachers and public sector employees, has expressed dissatisfaction with the installment plan, warning of potential widespread disruption if their demands are not met.
Adding to the political drama, international figures have also voiced their concerns about regional tensions. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon described a recent incident involving a resistance drone as a "reckless provocation," urging restraint from involved parties. This sentiment comes in the wake of former Prime Minister Saad Hariri's remarks, where he accused Hezbollah of assisting perpetrators in the Syrian conflict while claiming his faction supports the victims.
Moreover, the political landscape remains charged, with Speaker Nabih Berri responding to criticism from Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea, asserting his resilience in the face of opposition. Meanwhile, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is reportedly intensifying his campaign ahead of a visit from international envoy Lakhdar Brahimi, highlighting the ongoing complexities in the region.
As the situation develops, Lebanese citizens are bracing for potential disruptions, while political leaders navigate the intricate web of domestic and international challenges.