Change and Reform Rejects Increase in VAT to Fund New Wage Scale
The Change and Reform bloc reiterated on Tuesday its commitment to its stances regarding the new wage scale and its funding.
MP Ibrahim Kanaan said after the bloc's weekly meeting: “We continue to reject increasing the Value Added Tax to fund the wage scale as we cannot add more burdens on the people.”
In addition, he noted that the salary hike should respect reforms and take state revenues into consideration.
Jutstice should also be achieved between the teachers of the private and public schools, remarked the MP.
“We hope that the case of the new wage scale will be resolved and that all concerned would obtain their rights,” stressed Kanaan.
The salary hike has been at the center of controversy since it was approved by the government of ex-PM Najib Miqati in 2012. Several parliamentary blocs had refused to approve the draft-law over fears that it would have devastating effects on the economy.
But recent meetings held between several blocs and Speaker Nabih Berri led to a deal on the scale.
The most recent of these meetings took place between the speaker and head of the Mustaqbal bloc MP Fouad Saniora.
The bloc had previously voiced its reservations over the wage scale draft-law.
Parliament is scheduled to convene on Wednesday in order to tackle the issue and other draft-laws.
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