The government convened on Wednesday for the second day in a row to discuss the 2019 draft state budget, as ministers are expected to hold daily meetings in a bid to speed up its endorsement before being referred to the Parliament.

The session, chaired by Prime Minister Saad Hariri at the Grand Serail, is set to go into the details of the proposed blueprint, as stated by Finance Minister Ali Hassan Khalil on Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters ahead of Wednesday's session, Khalil reaffirmed that the austerity draft budget will not impact the pensions and end-of-service benefits granted to the retired military personnel.

Allegations claiming otherwise, he noted, are aimed at spreading confusion and sowing rift.

“I am addressing the Army command and the defense ministry in particular so that they do not get involved in fictitious conflicts that some are using to score heroic gains,” Khalil advised.

However, Khalil stressed that high, unreasonable and unjustified salaries in the public sector must be reconsidered.

“A serious work effort is needed. It is not the time for theories and preaching."