Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati said he will invite his cabinet, which has not met since Oct. 12, to convene after the 2022 budget is received. (Credit: NNA)
BEIRUT— Prime Minister Najib Mikati informed President Michel Aoun in a meeting in Baabda that “the general budget for 2022 is ready and will be received within the next two days, and as soon as it is received, the Council of Ministers will be invited to convene.”
Here’s what we know:
• Mikati revealed that the general budget for 2022 is ready, and that once he receives it, it becomes necessary to convene the Council of Ministers to approve it and refer it to Parliament. He also said that “the financial benefits previously promised to public sector employees and public administrations will be released today.”
• The cabinet has not met since October 12 due to internal disagreements between its members over the leadership of the Beirut port blast probe. Ministers representing the Shiite parties have threatened to boycott meetings until Judge Tarek Bitar’s role in the probe is limited.
• “I do not think anyone will fail from this national duty,” said Mikati in relation to possible absences from the cabinet meeting. He also noted that the general budget is a prerequisite for any deal with the International Monetary Fund and all reform plans.
• Last month, Mikati refused to call the cabinet for a meeting, despite Aoun’s request that he do so, over fears that it might lead to resignations.
• “The meeting with His Excellency the President was fruitful and it was agreed to open a special session for the House of Representatives,” Mikati said.
• In the Lebanese Constitution, Article 32 dictates that Parliament meets in two ordinary sessions to research and vote on the budget before taking up any other issue. Article 33 of the Lebanese Constitution gives the President, in agreement with the Prime Minister, the right to invite the Parliament to a special session, tasking it with a specific agenda.