Lebanese MPs row as draft budget debated in parliamentBEIRUT: A parliamentary debate on Lebanon’s 2024 draft budget broke out into a row on Wednesday, with MPs accusing the government of “starving citizens” and promoting corruption. The parliament’s General Assembly began discussion on the budget after the government’s initial version was radically amended by the Finance and Budget Committee. An argument broke out between reformist MP Melhem Khalaf and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. The MP stormed out of the hall, warning: “I will not violate the constitution.”Another row also took place between MP Ali Hassan Khalil (Amal Movement) and reformist MP Firas Hamdan. That will destroy all of Lebanon, and the Lebanese are left unable to determine their fate.”In September, the caretaker government approved the 2024 draft budget.

Source: Libya Today January 24, 2024 21:11 UTC