Kataeb lawmaker Elias Hankach on Monday said that the problem in Lebanon lies in the violation of the constitution according to interests with the aim of obstruction, pointing out that usurpation of the constitution under the pretext of powers brought the country to the brink of collapse.

“The ruling elite is not taking any action to solve Lebanon’s unending crises. Approving customs taxes at the rate of LBP 20,000 against the dollar is a national disaster, it will lead to hyperinflation, reduction of purchasing power, deprivation, smuggling and no additional revenues for the State,” Hankach said in an interview with Voice of Lebanon radio station.

The Kataeb lawmaker believed that the appropriate customs taxes rate needed an in-depth study, saying that the reasonable rate must be between LBP 8,000 and LBP 12,000 with a gradual increase.

“Objection to its approval should not be limited to speech, but a decisive position must be taken. We are in a state of collapse and the tax is not imposed randomly, while there are some MPs who are playing the populist role in the issue of raising the customs dollar, knowing that they belong to blocs who called for its increase,” he added.

“The issue of raising the customs dollar at the rate of LBP 20,000 has ended,” he affirmed.

Hankach deemed customs dollar as an economic disaster in addition to the evaporation of salaries, compensations and deposits, voicing his regret over taxes which aim to rob the Lebanese people.