The Cabinet on Friday approved a long-overdue decree granting financial compensation to employees of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, marking what many are calling a long-awaited victory for public school teachers.
The decree, which incorporates revisions suggested by the State Council, will take effect immediately upon the expected signature of the President of the Republic, likely on Monday or Tuesday. In a move hailed by educators and unions, the government will begin disbursing the payments without waiting for the measure to be published in the Official Gazette — a departure from standard protocol aimed at expediting long-stalled entitlements.
“This decision restores justice for the teachers,” MP Ashraf Baydoun wrote in a Facebook post, emphasizing the financial and emotional toll the delay has taken on Lebanon’s already fragile education sector.
The decree comes at a critical moment, as teachers across the country continue to demand fair compensation amid worsening economic conditions and rising inflation. Lebanon’s public sector workers, including educators, have borne the brunt of the country’s financial collapse since 2019, with many reporting salaries that have lost over 90% of their value.
In parallel, the Cabinet deliberated on the banking sector reform law during the same session, held at the Grand Serail and chaired by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. Minister of Information Paul Morcos said that discussions have progressed past the halfway mark, though technical and legal details still require further debate. The government is expected to resume discussions in a follow-up session scheduled for 10 AM Saturday. According to Morcos, several amendments have already been introduced to the draft law.
The Cabinet has authorized Finance Minister Yassine Jaber and Energy and Water Minister Joe Saddi to travel to Iraq. The two officials will lead a delegation to continue negotiations over the import of Iraqi fuel oil.
In a separate move, the government agreed to launch a comprehensive review of public sector salaries. The aim is to address long-standing imbalances, with adjustments expected to be reflected in the upcoming draft budget.
The Cabinet also approved a proposal from the Ministry of Public Works and Transport concerning the maintenance and operation contract for Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport. The deal, signed between the Council for Development and Reconstruction (CDR) and Middle East Airports Services, will now be reactivated. A mechanism has been set in place for transferring the necessary funds to the CDR.
Separately, the Cabinet cleared the release of value-added tax (VAT) funds to support the rehabilitation of the Chekka highway. Works on the northern road had stalled due to a major rockslide.
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