Prime Minister, Saad Hariri, said in the wake of the Cabinet session that was held on Monday at Baabda Palace that the aim of any political practice was to protect the dignity of the people, ensure a sense of sovereignty and independence, and provide the people with healthcare and other services.
"The young Lebanese men and women have been patient for a long time and today they have finally expressed their outrage. Their demands are many and righteous, and the deadline I had asked for was not from the people, but from my partners in the Lebanese government," Hariri added.
Listing a set of reforms, Hariri mentioned the following:
- A budget with 0.6 % deficit
- Reduction of the budget of the South and Reconstruction Council by 70%
- Reduction of the salaries of ministers and MPs by 50%
- $160 million to support housing loans
- Preparation of a draft law to restore looted state funds
- A law to form a national body to fight corruption
- Abolishment of the Ministry of Information and the development of a plan to abolish unnecessary institutions
- Approval of CEDRE's first five projects to create job opportunities within the next 5 years
"The decisions we have taken do not fully meet with your demands; I will not ask you to stop protesting, and I do not allow any side to threaten you," Hariri added in his address to protesters, expressing his will to hold early parliamentary elections as well.
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