The caretaker Cabinet held a session at the Grand Serail under the chairmanship of the caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, to discuss an agenda that includes essential items.

Another session will be held at 3:30 in the afternoon dedicated to initiating the discussion of 2024 draft Budget Law.

Mikati stated at the outset of the session: "Today, we are just a few days away from September 10, the date of the formation of the government, the 'Together for Rescue' government. As we approach the third year of the government's tenure, we all hope that the constitutional institutions will be completed and a President of the Republic will be elected. “

“Lebanon's formula and entity can only achieve political justice through the integration of its national components. On this occasion, I salute all of you who bear responsibilities with competence and perform your duties towards the nation, ensuring the continuity of service. We emphasize that we manage affairs, we do not seize the homeland. We bear responsibility, and we do not seek to replace anyone,” he added.

“Bearing responsibility is not an easy matter, and everyone witnesses our resistance and efforts to overcome this difficult stage as much as possible,” he noted.

“On this occasion, I emphasize on my behalf and on behalf of the government the priority of expediting the election of a President of the Republic. We also support the call for parliamentary dialogue and encourage the convergence of political forces for serious discussions leading to the speedy election of a President,” he emphasized.

Mikati also thanked the Arab brothers, the Quint Committee and friendly countries for their ongoing efforts to assist Lebanon in overcoming its political and economic crises.

"There are very difficult economic and social files, the most important of which are the soaring prices of goods, materials, services, tuition fees, school fees, hospital bills, insurance premiums, and basic necessities,” he went on saying.

“The government is responsible for economic, health, and food security. I call on the ministries and relevant authorities to monitor prices and protect citizens from the dangers of greed and impose sanctions on those who exploit people and deplete their capabilities,” he indicated.

"With the start of the school year, we are following the outcry of parents about the high tuition fees in schools and the obligation to pay in dollars at varying rates without clear criteria. I have contacted the Minister of Education, who is absent from today's session, to request strictness in this regard and obligate private schools to consider the current economic situation when increasing fees. In addition, there is a proposal to increase fees in public schools and the Lebanese University, which will be presented to us during the discussion of the budget law project, and it will be studied in a way that reduces the burdens on parents and allows them to send their children to public schools and the Lebanese University,” he added.

"What concerns us is the new influx of Syrian displacement waves through illegal crossings. What is worrying is that the majority of the new displaced are young people. The army and security forces are working tirelessly to prevent unjustified displacement convoys that threaten our national independence and impose a severe imbalance that affects the Lebanese reality, intentionally or unintentionally,” he said.

“We will discuss this file in today's session to determine the necessary steps, including holding a special session of the Council of Ministers next week with the participation of the Army Commander and the heads of security agencies, because responsibility is collective and requires everyone's cooperation. Also, based on the proposal of the Minister of Public Works and Transport, we will hold a special session next week to discuss the situation at Beirut Airport and the possibility to operate the Kleyaat Airport,” he concluded.