2019 Budget Approved (In July): Customs Fee of 3% Approved on Imported Goods

The long-awaited so-called austerity budget was finally passed today in parliament following a tense voting session, and as expected it failed to tackle structural problems of the economy or target corruption. Instead, they simply cut expenses in the public sector and raised taxes and fees, including a 3% customs fees on imported goods subject to VAT, which means more inflated prices and a weaker purchasing power. One lawmaker who voted in favor of the budget…

Why Your Electricity Bills Are Doubling in the Summer

Last week, a couple of friends were complaining that their electricity bills have doubled recently even though they were on vacation and didn't stay home much. The first thing I told them was that electricity bills are always higher during the summer because of the air conditioning but then I saw the below video on Facebook which made me rethink about all the hefty bills I used to pay. To sum it up quickly, EDL…
Critiques

Lebanese Expats are Key to Promoting Tourism in #Lebanon

6 years ago
I’m not a fan of the current Tourism Minister, not because I have something against him but simply because of his short-sighted and inefficient tourism strategies. I don’t really blame him though, since he was ...
Critiques

Racism at Beirut Swimming Pool Getting Worse

6 years ago
Sporting Club has gone up a notch in imposing racist laws against foreign helpers by forcing their employers to dress them in a specific way, otherwise they will be kicked out without a refund. The ...
Critiques

Beirut Airport to Get Decent Internet (Third time’s a Charm?)

6 years ago
Ever since I started blogging here, I hear about Beirut’s airport finally getting some decent (& free) internet and it still did not happen. In fact, we had at least weird looking internet machines few ...
Critiques

Whoever Leaked Patrick Moubarak’s Voice Note Should be Arrested

6 years ago
I had no idea who Patrick Moubarak was till few days ago, after a recording spread on social media in which he allegedly threatened Lebanese President Michel Aoun and Hezbollah leader. He is also heard ...
Critiques

Gemmayze Street Closed *Once Again* For Works

6 years ago
I don’t recall a year where the Gemmayze (Gouraud) street hasn’t been closed fully or partially for works. Every year, they have a new excuse to shut down the street and cause a hellish traffic, ...
Critiques

Marcel Khalife Refuses to Perform National Anthem at Baalbeck Festival Opening Night

6 years ago
Acclaimed singer & composer Marcel Khalife refused to perform the Lebanese National Anthem, as is the tradition, on the opening night of the Baalbeck International Festival. Khalife said (quoting AlJaras) “I won’t be performing the ...
Critiques

Religious Names For Restaurants, Shops, Hospitals, Streets in Lebanon

6 years ago
Wherever you go in the world, you will find streets, plazas, institutions and other places given religious names. This is mainly due to the fact that the Church was ruling at the time in Europe ...
Critiques

The Real Problem is Not Who Started Shooting in Qabrshmoun

6 years ago
State Minister for Refugee Affairs Saleh al-Gharib convoy’s was passing by the village of Qabrshmoun when gunmen opened fire killing two bodyguards. The attack came after PSP supporters closed down roads to prevent Foreign Minister ...
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