Mikati Delays Cabinet Meeting Due to Protests by Retired Military Personnel Over Salaries

On Friday, retired members of the armed forces gathered at Beirut’s Riad al-Solh Square to protest their inadequate salaries, causing roadblocks leading to the Grand Serail where a cabinet session was scheduled in downtown Beirut.

Due to these protests, Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati decided to postpone the cabinet meeting until Tuesday. The session faced a lack of quorum as several ministers were unable to reach the Grand Serail, compounded by a boycott from the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) ministers.

FPM leader Jebran Bassil criticized Mikati, accusing him of attempting to breach constitutional and legal norms and alleging that MPs were legislating to benefit an individual.

A key topic expected to be addressed by the cabinet, outside its scheduled agenda, is the extension of Army Chief General Joseph Aoun’s term, with his retirement due in January.

The Lebanese Parliament, also in session on Friday, is likely to deliberate on General Aoun’s term extension. Lebanese Forces MP George Adwan indicated that the Parliament would discuss the extension regardless of the government’s decision in its session.

The retirees were protesting against salaries that have become insufficient for covering basic living expenses. All public sector workers, including the armed forces, are paid in Lebanese pounds. However, most businesses, including grocery stores, now price their goods in dollars.

The Lebanese pound has experienced a severe devaluation, losing over 98 percent of its value compared to the US dollar since the onset of the country’s economic crisis in 2019.