Beirut: Prime Minister, Nawaf Salam, on Wednesday chaired a meeting at the Grand Serail with Minister of Interior, Ahmad Hajjar, Minister of Labor Mohammad Haidar, General Labor Confederation President Bechara Asmar, head of land transport unions Bassam Tleis, fuel distributors’ representative Fadi Abou Chacra, and several members of the labor confederation.
According to National News Agency – Lebanon, Minister Haidar explained that the meeting followed discussions held the night before at PM Salam’s residence, in the presence of ministers Yassine Jaber, Fayez Rasamny, and union representatives. The discussions focused on revising public sector salary increases, which were approved during the May 29 cabinet session for military personnel, to ensure broader coverage, particularly for civil servants, and to involve union representatives in committee discussions. The goal is to finance these increases through higher customs revenues and maritime property taxes.
On the topic of transport, Haidar noted an agreement to either support or exempt the sector from certain fuel-related fees, with the Ministry of Finance currently studying implementation mechanisms. He also announced that the Interior Ministry will begin enforcing traffic law measures through security agencies, with an executive meeting scheduled shortly to coordinate these efforts.
In turn, Bechara Asmar welcomed the reevaluation of salary increases, particularly their extension to retired civil servants. He emphasized the necessity of tapping into neglected revenue sources such as maritime property and customs, and praised the involvement of the Minister of Public Works. Asmar expressed gratitude to President Joseph Aoun and Speaker Nabih Berri for their support of dialogue to prevent disruptive protests during Lebanon’s tourism season.
Bassam Tleis echoed these sentiments, affirming the need for immediate implementation. He highlighted ongoing issues affecting the transport sector, including customs duties on fuel and the enforcement of traffic laws. Tleis announced the suspension of planned protests in light of the agreements reached but stressed that follow-up meetings would be essential to ensure accountability.
All parties committed to continued coordination, aiming for broader social stability and support for Lebanon’s strained public sector.