Berri: Budget Should Have Been Approved before Cabinet Formation

Speaker Nabih Berri on Saturday reiterated the need for expediting approval of the country’s state budget, taking into consideration Lebanon’s “unenviable economic situation,” al-Joumhouria daily reported.

“It is evident that our economic situation is unenviable. I wish they listened to me when I advised them to approve the budget before the cabinet was formed. We would have spared ourselves a lot of problems,” the Speaker told the daily.

“I repeat, the budget is a priority, there is no room for more waiting and there is no justification for further government delay,” he added.

Regarding the controversial file of electricity, Berri said: “I have sensed some positivism addressing this file. It must be addressed with serious and transparent efforts.”

On suggestions to lease more power generating barges in order to cover for power shortage, the Speaker noted: “We have tried to lease barges before and the results were costly and exhausting for the treasury. I don't believe there is a possibility to return,” to that option.