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By Ajnadin Mustapha.
Tripoli, 6 March, 2015:
Even as oil exports drop and the economy plummets, members of the House of Representatives (HoR) . . .[restrict]are saying that their salary packages are not enough to continue working under such “emotionally draining” circumstances.
Under the current agreement, HoR members receive salaries of LD 10,000 a month with LD 1,500 monthly for housing and an annual car allowance of LD 45,000.
This past week, HoR members proposed that their salaries be increased to LD 16,000 a month with an additional LD 2,000 for expenses such as fuel and phone cards. In addition to this, they have asked for full health and life insurance coverage for their families, as well as LD 6,000 a month for housing, a LD 65,000 car allowance and a lifetime pension plan equivalent to 80% of their salaries.
Members justified their demands by pointing out that a number of them had lost homes and property in attacks.
Libyans have responded to the proposed salary increase on social media with outrage and disbelief. Posts frequently say that many Libyans are struggling to merely make ends meet. Some having lost homes or businesses and been forced to live in camps or school buildings. There is general incredulity that the country’s leaders should be demanding to live in what is seen as luxury.
Nevertheless, so far no war-weary Libyans have taken to the streets in protest. “These days, they have more important things to worry about ” said one Libyan forced to flee to Tunisia after his home was burned down. [/restrict]
