Jumblat Urges Cabinet Ministers to Close Ranks after Wage Hike Division
Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblat called for the consolidation of ties among the political parties that make-up the cabinet rather than engaging in disputes.
In remarks to As Safir daily published on Friday, Jumblat said: “This government should work, and in order for it to function, it should limit” the upheaval.
“The situation requires the consolidation of the broad alliance that includes us, the Amal movement, Hizbullah, the Free Patriotic Movement, President Michel Suleiman and Premier Najib Miqati,” he said.
His comments came after Hizbullah, FPM and Amal ministers voted in favor of a wage hike proposal made by Labor Minister Charbel Nahhas, dealing a blow to another suggestion made by Miqati.
As Safir quoted Jumblat’s visitors as saying that the PSP chief has expressed frustration at the new cabinet crisis over the wage hike.
Jumblat backed Miqati and delegated Minister Wael Abou Faour for talks with him at the Grand Serail on Thursday, the visitors said.
Miqati had warned that Nahhas’ proposal, which was approved by the cabinet on Wednesday, could have negative economic repercussions.
On Thursday, the PSP leadership hoped the plan will not be struck down by the Shura Council.
The new cabinet decision calls for raising the minimum wage to LL868,000 from the current LL500,000 – a sum that includes a LL236,000 transportation allowance.
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