Kataeb Party leader and MP Samy Gemayel said Tuesday that he opposes any tax increases intended to finance public sector salary hikes until comprehensive reforms are implemented.

Gemayel emphasized that the public sector must first undergo a thorough restructuring, including the elimination of ghost positions and the establishment of systems based on efficiency and transparency.

“We reject raising taxes to fund public sector salary increases before carrying out a genuine and comprehensive reform of the sector,” he wrote on X.

He warned that citizens should not be asked to shoulder additional costs without first addressing structural flaws. Gemayel noted that no legislation to raise the value-added tax (VAT) or fuel taxes was on the Cabinet’s official agenda during Monday’s session. He added that the issue was discussed informally, outside the official agenda, and in the absence of the Minister of Justice.

“The Kataeb bloc will vote against any tax increases of this kind in Parliament,” Gemayel concluded.