Mikati urges calm ahead of cabinet budget discussions as retired soldiers vow to protest

Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati called for calm on Sunday ahead of a crucial Cabinet session to discuss the 2025 draft budget, amid rising tensions as retired military personnel planned roadblocks in protest of wage delays. In response, the Retired Military Personnel Union condemned the government’s failure to address public sector salaries and vowed to continue their demonstrations.

Mikati expressed surprise at the escalation of protests before budget discussions had begun. He noted that the government had already provided temporary financial assistance to both active-duty military and retirees until the budget was approved by Parliament. Mikati urged demonstrators to avoid disrupting public order or hindering government operations.

The Retired Military Personnel Union criticized the government for not fulfilling its promise to present a salary correction plan within three months. They questioned the participation of ministers in the upcoming Cabinet session, given the lack of a concrete plan for wage adjustments, and highlighted the absence of any proposal for salary corrections on the amended Cabinet agenda.

Despite Mikati’s appeal for calm, the union reaffirmed its commitment to protest, calling on all affected parties, including active military personnel and families of martyrs and wounded soldiers, to join their demonstration at 6 a.m. on Monday.