The Lebanese parliament approved on Tuesday the extension of the term of the municipal and mayoral councils for a maximum of one year.

Meanwhile, the caretaker government held a session chaired by PM Najib Mikati, approving a major salary raise.

The Council of Ministers approved on Tuesday a 4-fold increase to public sector wages, in addition to the two salaries that were previously approved, provided that attendance is 14 days per month.

A temporary transportation allowance has also been approved at LBP 450 thousand per day, provided that attendance does not exceed 18 days per month.

As for the private sector, the minimum wage for employees has been set at LBP 9 million per month, and a daily wage of LBP 400,000. The cost of living is to be increased to LBP 4,500,000, and daily transportation at LBP 250,000 for the private sector.

Caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, had affirmed at the beginning of the cabinet session that the government was keen on securing the necessary funds for municipal and mayoral elections.

“However, in light of the Parliament’s decision to extend the mandate of said elections, we can now take our time discussing this matter and eventually hold municipal elections as required,” Mikati added.

“From this standpoint, I hope that the Minister of Interior will hold his meetings with governors, security leaders, judges, and teachers to present a study with the proposed new dates and cost to be discussed and approved in the next cabinet session,” Mikati noted.

Source: Agencies