NNA - Deputy House Speaker, Elias Bou Saab, on Wednesday declared during a the general budget discussion session, which is currently being held in Nejmeh Square under Speaker of the House Nabih Berri’s chairmanship, that "breaking free from populism and prioritizing citizens' interests is challenging. If we don't discuss this budget, we risk reverting to the 2022 budget." 

Bou Saab then emphasized the Finance Committee's efforts to introduce reforms to the budget, acknowledging the Council's obligation to debate it despite various challenges, asserting that it is not deficit-free.

“This budget fails to meet the demands of healthcare, education, institutions, and the security and military forces,” Bou Saab noted, adding that, “while the constitution does not mandate dialogue for electing a president, we must prioritize reason, fearing that this Council might become a false witness."

Regarding the conflict between the Defense Minister and the Army Commander, Bou Saab criticized Prime Minister Mikati, accusing him of exacerbating the situation and stated, "If Ghazi Zeaiter were the Defense Minister, would you treat him the same way you did with Minister Maurice Slim?"

"If we don't engage in dialogue and elect a president, it's preferable for the parliamentary council to resign, and early parliamentary elections should be held,” Bou Saab concluded. 

==========R.H.