Jumblat Urges Cabinet Ministers to Close Ranks after Wage Hike Division
Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblat called for the consolidation of ties among the political parties that make-up the cabinet rather than engaging in disputes.
In remarks to As Safir daily published on Friday, Jumblat said: “This government should work, and in order for it to function, it should limit” the upheaval.
“The situation requires the consolidation of the broad alliance that includes us, the Amal movement, Hizbullah, the Free Patriotic Movement, President Michel Suleiman and Premier Najib Miqati,” he said.
His comments came after Hizbullah, FPM and Amal ministers voted in favor of a wage hike proposal made by Labor Minister Charbel Nahhas, dealing a blow to another suggestion made by Miqati.
As Safir quoted Jumblat’s visitors as saying that the PSP chief has expressed frustration at the new cabinet crisis over the wage hike.
Jumblat backed Miqati and delegated Minister Wael Abou Faour for talks with him at the Grand Serail on Thursday, the visitors said.
Miqati had warned that Nahhas’ proposal, which was approved by the cabinet on Wednesday, could have negative economic repercussions.
On Thursday, the PSP leadership hoped the plan will not be struck down by the Shura Council.
The new cabinet decision calls for raising the minimum wage to LL868,000 from the current LL500,000 – a sum that includes a LL236,000 transportation allowance.
over 12 years
really? what is so stupid about it? do u believe that workers shouldn't be paid a decent wage? what is wrong with increase real estate taxes on these incredibly profitable transactions that are taking place and using that additional revenue to increase wages for employees? incidentally, u appear to be suggesting that governments around the world haven't taken similar measures. surely, u know that the minimum wage in most mid-level income countries is much higher than it is in lebanon. if lebanon is to prosper, then workers need to be paid a decent living wage. this is something that u should be happy about.
over 12 years
the filthy zionist information war department is trying to predict the end of goverment. they are predicting that longer than they are predicting the end of syrian regime.
the force is not with zionist information war department. whatever they say, it's opposite.
over 12 years
jumblat's brain should close ranks with itself. go back to march 14 and lose next election with them. than shut up, together with zionist information war department
the rift in this cabinet will make it explode from within especially after the wage hike which is the most stupid decision ever taken by any government in the world.