President of the Republic Joseph Aoun affirmed that public sector employees have a legitimate right to demand fairness, stressing that he is himself “a son of the public sector” who has lived the hardships of state institutions. His remarks came during a meeting at Baabda Palace with General Confederation of Lebanese Workers head Bechara Asmar and a delegation representing public sector employees.

President Aoun revealed that the Cabinet, in coordination with the Minister of Finance, is discussing a comprehensive review of public sector salaries to address wide disparities. He confirmed that representatives of public sector employees will be directly involved in the discussions, emphasizing the need for cooperation to reach solutions aligned with Lebanon’s current financial capacities. He warned that strikes paralyze state institutions and deprive them of revenues, undermining efforts to improve wages.

Following the meeting, Asmar announced the formation of a representative committee under President Aoun’s direct patronage to follow up on salaries and allowances across the public sector, describing the move as a “qualitative shift” expected to yield tangible results early next year and help curb strikes.

Separately, President Aoun met Minister of State for Technology and Artificial Intelligence Kamal Shehadi and Microsoft Middle East and Africa President Naim Yazbeck to discuss expanding cooperation in digital transformation, artificial intelligence training, and support for startups, with prospects of Microsoft reopening an office in Beirut.