Lebanese Kataeb Party Leader, MP Samy Gemayel, submitted a written request to the government through the Presidency of the Parliament regarding the unjustified delay in the distribution of funds from the Independent Municipal Fund and telecommunications revenues to municipalities and municipal unions.

Gemayel called on the Ministers of Finance, Interior and Municipalities to expedite the issuance of decrees for the distribution of these funds, which are entrusted to municipalities and their unions, and which have accumulated from previous years.

Gemayel’s request highlighted that these funds are critical to supporting municipal budgets, and their timely release is a vital and pressing necessity to enable municipalities to carry out the basic duties assigned to them by the Municipalities Law. It also stressed the considerable responsibilities municipalities are burdened with amid Lebanon’s ongoing and escalating crises.

Local authorities face extraordinary pressures and unprecedented challenges due to the serious security incidents Lebanon experienced in September, October, and November 2024. These events forced municipalities to provide emergency services, supply essential materials to citizens, secure and equip shelters, deliver urgent humanitarian aid to displaced families, repair severe infrastructure damage, and strengthen the preparedness of emergency teams and civil defense. These efforts have significantly increased the financial demands placed on municipalities.

The continued denial of the full revenues owed to municipalities is severely crippling their ability to provide essential services to their communities, directly threatening their capacity to pay salaries and compensations for municipal council and union employees. This situation signals an imminent administrative, financial, and social crisis.