Parliament approves 2026 budget amid debates and protests

The Parliament approved the 2026 state budget on Thursday after debates that lasted for three days. 59 MPs voted in favor, 34 voted against it, and 11 abstained.

Speaker Nabih Berri asked the media to stop the live broadcast of the session as the debate over the increase of the public sector's salaries turned heated.

During the three days of discussions, retired army personnel protested near the parliament in Beirut, demanding better pay.

On Thursday evening, as their demands were not included in the ratified budget, the protestors blocked roads and burned tires in regions across Lebanon.

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, who was attending the session, met with the retirees and promised them to find a fair solution regarding their salaries before the end of February.