Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri has called on the legislature to meet on Feb. 21 and 22. (Credit: Ali Fawwaz/Parliament)
BEIRUT — Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri’s Amal Movement promised Monday to study “seriously” in Parliament the draft budget prepared by Finance Minister Youssef Khalil, who is close to the party, and adopted by Najib Mikati’s cabinet at a controversial session Thursday in Baabda.
Here’s what we know:
• The government’s approval of the draft budget on Thursday alongside the making of three administrative appointments at the request of the President Michel Aoun reportedly irritated both Amal and Hezbollah. Over the weekend Hezbollah officials publicly criticized the way in which the draft budget was approved. According to the newspaper al-Akhbar, which is close to the Iran-backed party, “the budget blows up the relationship between Mikati and Hezbollah.”
• Some have alleged that the Shiite parties’ objection to the budget's approval has more to do with unwillingness to assume the consequences of an unpopular budget prepared by a minister close to Amal. However, other observers believe that parties’ anger is rather due to the appointments made without its approval.
• After a meeting of its political bureau, Amal denounced “the chaotic and confused atmosphere during the last cabinet meeting, during which the principles of the constitution were flouted in form and substance.” Berri’s party added, “this [criticism] has no connection with the appointments.” The party continued, “It is a position of principle that opposes violations of customs and traditions.”
• The Amal Movement also promised that its parliamentary group, “despite what happened, will seriously discuss the draft budget in Parliament.” In this context, it also reiterated its “refusal of new taxes and any increase in taxes,” both of which are elements of the draft budget.
• Parliament is scheduled to meet on Feb. 21 and 22.