Head of Parliament’s Finance and Budget Committee, MP Ibrahim Kanaan, reiterated on Thursday that the committee “rejects any increase or creation of new taxes and fees” aimed solely at closing the state’s budget deficit.
“Every time the state needs funding, it imposes new burdens on citizens. This approach must stop,” Kanaan declared after a committee session dedicated to reviewing the 2026 draft budget.
He stressed that any tax reform should undergo thorough parliamentary scrutiny and be guided by principles of productivity and social fairness. Kanaan added that the committee had completed its general discussions on the draft budget and would soon begin a detailed review of its legal articles.
Deposit Protection and Shared Responsibility
Kanaan also addressed ongoing negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), noting that several issues, particularly those concerning banks and depositors, remain under discussion.
“Our position remains clear: legitimate and lawful deposits must not be touched,” he said, adding that “the state, the Central Bank, and commercial banks must each assume their responsibilities for the financial collapse.”
Progress with the World Bank
Finance Minister Yassine Jaber reported progress in discussions with the World Bank, which is considering long-term, 30-year loans to Lebanon for projects in key sectors such as electricity, water, and infrastructure.
Kanaan said these loans would require parliamentary approval and a “positive and constructive” approach to ensure effective implementation.
Public Sector Wage Adjustment
Turning to the public sector, Kanaan said it was no longer acceptable to maintain the same salary scales “five years after the collapse.” He called for a fair revision of wages and the inclusion of social aid within the base salary structure.
“The public sector cannot continue to function under these conditions,” he warned, noting that the widening gap between public and private sector pay was undermining the delivery of essential services.
Administrative Reform and Financial Oversight
Kanaan underscored the need to implement public sector restructuring, a reform already studied by the committee, and urged the government to clarify its position on administrative reform.
He also announced that the committee will soon hold a meeting with the Central Bank governor to discuss the monetary and financial situation, as well as another session with the Public Works Ministry on the issue of illegal maritime properties.
Kanaan concluded that once the explanatory preamble of the 2026 draft budget is received, the committee will begin a detailed examination of the bill’s legal articles.
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