Hariri Determined to Approve Budget Plan on Monday

Prime Minister Saad Hariri is determined to approve Lebanon's 2017 budget plan early next week after Friday's cabinet meeting devoted to pursue the issue failed to complete discussions, al-Joumhouria daily reported on Saturday.

Members of the cabinet chaired by Hariri did not finalize Friday evening the needed discussions to approve the budget plan, Hariri has therefore scheduled another session on Monday afternoon at 4:00 at the Grand Serail to wrap up discussions.

The PM had asked the ministers not to make any appointments on Monday because he intends to approve the budget even if it takes to “stay all night,” reported the daily.

“The Council of Ministers will meet on Monday at four o'clock in the Grand Serail to continue the study of the budget,” Hariri's media office said in a statement.

“During (Friday's) the meeting, Hariri congratulated the new military and security commanders, wishing them success in their missions. He also thanked the outgoing officials, praising their efforts throughout their term to maintain security and stability and fight terrorism,” it added.

Lebanon's cabinet made several security and military appointments on Wednesday including a new army chief, General Joseph Aoun, ending a deadlock that twice forced an extension of the term of the military's sitting head.

The appointment of the successor to General Jean Qahwaji is the first by Lebanon's cabinet since it was formed after President Michel Aoun's election in October.

The cabinet has been meeting for several weeks now in a bid to approve the budget plan after it has been stalled for 12 years due to conflicts between the rival political parties.

Lebanon has not approved a state budget since 2005 and its public debt has amounted to around $70 billion.