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By Hadi Fornaji.
Tunis, 27 March 2017:
Debate in the House of Representatives (HoR) on the 2017 budget was cut short today after several members objected to both it and the fact that the political crisis in the country did not top the day’s agenda.
The session started normally enough with 93 members attending the session chaired by Ageela Saleh.
Several issues were up for discussion including Saddek Elkaber continuing to operate as governor of the Central Bank of Libya and raising the retirement age for men to 70.
However, the main issue – the LD 40-billion budget submitted by the Beida-based interim government – raised hackles with some members unhappy about proposals.
Despite efforts by the deputy chair of the finance committee to reassure members’ concerns, Mohamed Ajdeed, the Sebha member who opposed the recent southern boycott of the HoR, reportedly complained about its presentation and walked out with a number of others.
The session was then adjourned until tomorrow when a fresh attempt will be made to have the budget passed will be made.
