Marcos says public sector demands are justified, funding sought

Information Minister Paul Marcos said the living and social demands of public sector employees, teachers and retired military personnel are justified, adding that the government is focused on securing the funding needed for them without imposing new taxes. Speaking on Voice of Lebanon, he said dialogue is ongoing with the rights holders and work is under way to cover any new expenses while strengthening tax collection and compliance. He also described the new media law as a positive step, saying there is an effort to merge Télé Liban, Radio Lebanon, the National News Agency and the archive into a dedicated digital platform and create the National Media Company. He said the law includes provisions to regulate websites, combat misleading news and hate speech, prevent security and political interference, bar pretrial detention, and establish the independent National Media Authority.