Beirut: Energy and Water Minister, Joe Saddi, on Tuesday said he clearly objected during Tuesday’s Cabinet session to approving any new tax increases at this stage, including proposals to raise fuel prices and value-added tax (VAT).
According to National News Agency – Lebanon, Saddi shared in a post on X that he had formally recorded his rejection of the proposed increases. He emphasized that solutions should first focus on improving customs and existing tax collection. Saddi further stated that, despite his objection, he is bound in his ministerial capacity to implement decisions issued by the Council of Ministers.
Saddi called for any future steps to be carefully studied and based on clear figures. This approach aims to avoid a repeat of what occurred in the previous Cabinet session.