Berri Says Parliament Could Reject Budget that Doesn't Observe Deficit Reduction

Speaker Nabih Berri warned the government “not to refer the state budget draft to the parliament” if it fails to reduce the budget deficit to “9% or even less,” al-Joumhouria daily reported on Friday.

“Everyone is required to sacrifice for the country’s sake, but I reject any budget attempt to keep the deficit the same as it is today (11.5 percent), it must be reduced to 9 percent or less. If this reduction is not attained, it is better for them (government) not to refer it to the parliament,” said the Speaker in remarks he made to his visitors.

Berri expressed his “resentment” with the negative atmospheres that have developed lately in the country over Lebanon’s economic and financial situation, which he said caused “great confusion among all Lebanese segments,” and describing it as a "climate of conspiracy.”

The government is set to impose austerity measures to combat its bulging fiscal deficit, amid “painful” measures to cut part of salaries and benefits of public sector employees which triggered a wave of protests.

Lebanon is one of the world's most indebted countries, with public debt estimated at 141 percent of gross domestic product in 2018, according to credit ratings agency Moody's.

The budget for 2019 has yet to be finalised, but public sector workers fear that austerity measures may mean cuts to their salaries.