Lebanon's minimum wage no longer meets even the most basic living expenses, as years of soaring inflation and rising prices for goods and services have sharply eroded purchasing power, widening the gap between wages and the cost of living to unprecedented levels.

Bechara Asmar, president of the General Confederation of Lebanese Workers, acknowledged that raising the minimum wage is a legitimate demand given the sharp decline in purchasing power, but said any discussion must take into account Lebanon's difficult economic circumstances.

Speaking to Nidaa Al-Watan, Asmar said the labor confederation is currently monitoring discussions over salary increases for public sector employees and expressed hope that progress would be made in the coming period.

Preliminary studies suggest that Lebanon's minimum wage should stand at around $1,200 per month, he said.

However, Asmar stressed that workers' total compensation should not be measured solely by their base salary. It should also include cost-of-living adjustments, transportation allowances, school grants and family benefits.

Asmar argued that any wage correction must consider the severe financial pressures facing Lebanese businesses.

He noted that many companies and factories in southern Lebanon have been destroyed or forced to shut down, while the industrial zone in Nabatieh has suffered extensive damage.

Elsewhere, businesses in Beirut, Mount Lebanon and northern Lebanon have experienced declines in activity ranging from 70% to 80% because of the economic slowdown, he said, describing the country as being in a state of near-economic paralysis.

Given those conditions, Asmar called for a balanced approach that protects workers' right to a decent standard of living while recognizing businesses' ability to survive under current circumstances.

"The issue of the minimum wage must be handled realistically," he said, adding that the labor confederation would continue working toward solutions that reflect the country's economic capacity.

According to Asmar, restoring security and stability remains the government's most urgent priority, as sustainable economic recovery will not be possible without an improved security environment capable of restarting normal business activity.

He also urged the government to take into account the country's difficult economic and social conditions and avoid measures that would place additional burdens on citizens.

As an example, Asmar cited Decree No. 3214, which introduced new fees on several essential goods before its implementation was suspended following objections from the labor confederation.

He said the security situation has affected every sector of the economy.

While some businesses have ceased operations entirely, others have been forced to significantly scale back their activities, leaving workers to shoulder the consequences of what he described as flawed economic policies, rising taxes and increasing government fees, even as wages have remained largely unchanged.

Asmar also pointed to unresolved issues that continue to affect workers, including the payment of the so-called "six additional salaries" for public sector employees and the gasoline tax.

He said Lebanese citizens continue to bear growing financial burdens while public sector workers have yet to receive the compensation they deserve.

Asmar said Lebanon is passing through an exceptional period that requires practical, realistic and implementable solutions.

He warned that continued security instability is prompting many companies to reduce operations or resort to arbitrary layoffs, limiting the effectiveness of any economic or social reforms unless accompanied by lasting security improvements capable of reviving economic activity.