In a session that was nearly canceled due to lack of quorum, the Parliament met to discuss and approve several laws while ignoring the most important one currently: the 2026 electoral law.
The Parliament approved an urgent law (Decree No. 493) to open additional budget funds for 2025. This law provides a monthly financial grant of 14 million Lebanese pounds for active military personnel and 12 million pounds for retired military personnel, effective from July 1, 2025.
Radiology Profession Regulated
The Parliament also approved a law (Decree No. 11511) regulating the practice of radiological sciences in Lebanon.
Government Allowed to Join Madrid Protocol
Parliament approved a law (Decree No. 13356) that allows the government to join the Madrid Protocol on international trademark registration, amended in 2007 and effective since February 1, 2021.
Discussion on World Bank Green Transition Loan
The Parliament is currently discussing a law (Decree No. 498) seeking approval for a loan agreement between Lebanon and the World Bank. The loan aims to fund a green transition project in the agricultural food sector to support economic recovery.
Political Context and Electoral Law Concerns
Before the session, Deputy Speaker Elias Bou Saab said:
“We are facing an important parliamentary milestone and a big question mark over the electoral law. I ask MPs to reconsider their positions.”
He highlighted that the main disagreement is about expatriates’ voting rights, but each party has its own amendment demands. He plans to call a subcommittee next week to address the issues.
Photos by photographer Nabil Ismael via Annahar
