The Lebanese Parliament wrapped up on Wednesday its heated up two-hour debate by approving the introduction of a 10 percent Value Added Tax (VAT) applicable in February 2002.
A number of MPs expressed fear of negative repercussions that such a law might have on an already stagnate economic situation and on people suffering from major financial difficulties, said The Daily Star Thursday.
Fifteen MPs from various political affiliations opposed the draft, while six others abstained from voting. According to the Beirut-based paper, all major parliamentary blocs voted for the draft, reflecting the existence of a prior consensus among top leaders.
Only Hizbollah MPs appeared divided over the question: members of the party abstained, while MPs loyal to the group but not partisans were given the choice of voting as they wished – Albawaba.com
