"The budget is dealing with matters as though the country's situation is normal. The budget, as we see it, is deemed ordinary and fit for ordinary times. It is not a 2019 budget," said Lebanese Forces party leader, Samir Geagea, in a press conference held on Thursday.

"The LF has put forth this issue on several occasions at the Cabinet sessions, but has no responsiveness. The budget was discussed as is, regardless," he said.

"The budget was supposed to be accompanied by reforms because we are facing an actual crisis," Geagea stressed.

He noted that taxes on import will not affect the prices of goods in Lebanon, stressing the need to abolish all sorts of smuggling through illegal crossings. "What is preventing us from closing these crossings?" he wondered.

"I am sounding the alarm today, because there still is a chance to save the day," the LF leader said.

"There is tax evasion in Lebanon. When the issue was raised, the finance ministry said it did not have the appropriate work teams," he regretted.

"Public institutions are the black hole in the Lebanese State and the main source of income," Geagea went on to say, adding that "EDL costs the State $ 1 billion loss annually."

"The partnership between the private sector and public institutions is leading to increased state revenues and improved services," he added.

Pertaining to Bassil's tours, Geagea said "Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil revived the atmosphere of civil war. A State official cannot allow himself to say whatever he wants (...) Bassil's statements are bringing to memory events that happened during the war. Such war conditions do not apply to times of peace."

He finally stressed that "it is immediately required to reactivate the Council of Ministers."