Parallel spending (by the eastern Libyan regime headed by Hafter) outside the state budget is the primary and sole cause of the current crisis. I warned three years ago of the dangers of parallel spending and called for its immediate cessation. The volume of parallel spending has exceeded 303 billion dinars and has been officially recognized as public debt. The hard currency issued by the Central Bank is consumed by parallel spending, driving up demand for the dollar. The Prime Minister reiterates his congratulations to the Libyan people on the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan and prays that God brings goodness, prosperity, and blessings to the nation.

Source: Libya Today February 19, 2026 12:05 UTC