Hariri Voices Support for Reforms, Says Govt Must End Electricity and Waste 'Farce'

Prime Minister Saad Hariri on Thursday said that ongoing disagreements over suggested reforms of the new electoral law are consuming time, expressing support to any reform that promotes transparency and integrity in the upcoming legislative elections.

However, he stressed during a Cabinet meeting at the Grand Serail that differences will not hinder staging the elections in May.

He stressed that polls' postponement, extension or disruption “has no place in my dictionary, personally, or in the government's dictionary.”

On the issue of electricity, Hariri said that strikes have become a means to increase the hours of rationing.

"The rights of employees and workers should be discussed where they should, away from the street without becoming a tool to punish the Lebanese," he said.

Turning to the issue of waste, the PM emphasized: "We are called for bold decisions and a permanent and comprehensive waste plan to end this farce. We must have a temporary plan dealing with the waste in the capital and suburbs within the conditions required."