The caretaker Minister of Education and Higher Education, Abbas Halabi, at his office in the ministry. (Credit: A.M.H./OLJ)
Is caretaker Minister of Education and Higher Education Abbas Halabi on the verge of resigning just as the new school year has begun? Several local media outlets suggest that his decision may be linked to tensions surrounding the newly increased registration fees in Lebanon's public schools.
In a recent decision by the minister, registration fees were raised 4.5 million Lebanese lira (nearly $50) for Lebanese students and around $100 for foreign students in an effort to replenish the coffers of public schools, which have been severely impacted by the ongoing economic crisis since 2019.
This decision has faced criticism on platform X from former Progressive Socialist Party (PSP) leader Walid Joumblatt, despite the minister's close ties to the PSP. Joumblatt later deleted his comment, in which he accused Halabi of failing to uphold the constitutional principle of free public education.
Contacted by L'Orient-Le Jour, an advisor to the minister was unable to confirm or deny rumors about Halabi's resignation, stating that the minister is currently "traveling in France for a UNESCO event and does not have access to his phone."
According to the Lebanese daily An-Nahar, citing sources close to Halabi, the minister believes that Lebanon's education sector is victim of "conspiracy" and has been "abandoned." The newspaper also reported that he feels "let down" by the government, which he claims is "shrinking the ministry's responsibilities." The source quoted by An-Nahar stated that ministers are engaging in "politically motivated campaigns against education" to secure "appointments and positions." As a result, "the start of the new school year faces major crises," with sources in the sector warning of potential teacher strikes and delays in international aid. Accordingly, Halabi is reportedly considering "resigning or stepping aside." The source added that Halabi did not assume office "with a political agenda in mind" but does not want to "stand by as the sector collapses due to abandonment by the government and political forces."
Public school teachers went on strike several times during the past school year, demanding, among other things, monthly compensation paid in fresh dollars, an increase in transportation allowances and a review of the status of contract workers.
Additionally, the 2023-2024 school year has been disrupted by the war that broke out in southern Lebanon last October.