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Libya Observer
3 days ago
- Business
- Libya Observer
Dbeibah calls on HoR Speaker to disclose fate of 100 billion dinars spent outside official budget in the past 2 years
Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity, Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, has called on Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aqila Saleh, to disclose the fate of more than 100 billion Libyan dinars that were spent outside the official budget over the past two years. Dbeibah reiterated his government's firm rejection of any parallel public spending paths that fall outside legitimate frameworks. The statement came during a meeting Dbeibah held on Monday at the Prime Minister's Office in Tripoli with several members of the High Council of State to discuss current political and economic developments, monitor the government's stability plan, and address efforts to unify institutions and protect the national economy from what he described as "parallel financial chaos," according to the "Hakomitna" platform on Facebook. During the meeting, Dbeibah warned that these parallel financial practices impose massive burdens on the state, as funds are spent in non-genuine areas and later offset through public debt — effectively deducting from citizens' pockets and diminishing the real value of their incomes. He stressed that the Libyan people do not benefit from projects implemented at inflated costs outside the unified financial system, questioning: 'What's the point of projects implemented at double the cost, only to be paid for through public debt, which comes directly out of citizens' pockets?' The Prime Minister's comments were a direct reference to ongoing HoR discussions regarding the proposed budget for the 'Libya Development and Reconstruction Fund,' headed by Belgassim Haftar and linked to the parallel government in the east. Dbeibah renewed his demand for Aqila Saleh to reveal the fate of over 100 billion dinars spent outside the official budget in the past two years. He emphasized that this demand is not merely about transparency, but a direct consequence of the impact such spending has had on the Libyan dinar's value and the resulting negative effects on citizens' incomes and market confidence. He noted that several economic experts have warned that approving an alternative budget — despite its legal violations — could directly lead to a rise in the dollar exchange rate in the parallel market, due to shaken financial confidence and increased pressure on reserves. This, in turn, threatens currency stability and the standard of living for Libyans. He said that the national and legal responsibility lies with all institutions to halt this financial spending, defend the unity of public finances, and safeguard the stability of Libya's economy and currency.


Libyan Express
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Libyan Express
HoR speaker requests formation of unity government
BY Libyan Express May 15, 2025 - 03:35 Libyan house speaker requests formation of unity government amid Tripoli clashes The Speaker of Libya's House of Representatives, Aqila Saleh, has called on the High Council of State to work with the House to form a unified government. This request comes as armed conflict affects multiple areas of Tripoli. In a statement released on Wednesday through House Spokesman Abdullah Blehiq, Saleh suggested the current Government of National Unity has exceeded its mandate and bears responsibility for ongoing hostilities in the capital. Security incidents began on Tuesday night and continued into Wednesday, affecting residential neighbourhoods across Tripoli. Authorities responded by declaring an emergency, suspending educational activities and redirecting flights from Mitiga to Misrata Airport. Saleh requested protection for civilians, an immediate cessation of hostilities, establishment of humanitarian corridors and access for emergency services. He also called for international bodies to withdraw recognition from the current government and support efforts to form a transitional administration that would organise national elections. The situation represents a continuation of governance challenges in Libya, where multiple authorities have competed for legitimacy since 2014. The views expressed in Op-Ed pieces are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Libyan Express. How to submit an Op-Ed: Libyan Express accepts opinion articles on a wide range of topics. Submissions may be sent to oped@ Please include 'Op-Ed' in the subject line.


Libya Observer
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Libya Observer
HoR Speaker proposes formation of new government following Menfi's decrees
House of Representatives Speaker Aqila Saleh has called for the urgent formation of a new unified government to replace the Government of National Unity and Hammad's government, stressing that Libyans 'need food, medicine, electricity, education, and salaries first—a role of the executive authority.' In response to calls for holding parliamentary elections, Saleh said in a video statement on Saturday that forming a new unified government has nothing to do with holding elections. He added that if there are calls for parliamentary elections, then presidential elections can also be held simultaneously on the same day. Saleh accused the Presidential Council of 'encroaching' on legislative authority and siding with obstruction, reiterating his rejection of the council's issuance of decrees with legal force. He called for the formation of a new authority as soon as possible. 'We no longer have multiple paths or a range of solutions. We must urgently move toward forming a new authority and implementing that based on the political agreement through consensus between the House of Representatives and the High Council of State.' He said. He said their experience with multiple tracks and dialogue tables has failed to meet the aspirations of Libyans—from Skhirat to Geneva, which only prolonged the crisis, deepened the division, and worsened political, economic, and social conditions, along with financial and administrative corruption. 'The Presidential Council has no right to issue decrees with the force of law. Even in stable countries, an elected head of state cannot issue such laws by decree unless granted that power by the constitution and only under exceptional circumstances in the absence of a legislature—after which the decree must be submitted to the legislative authority for approval or cancellation upon its return.' Saleh said. His remarks come days after the Presidential Council issued a decree annulling a House of Representatives' law that established a Supreme Constitutional Court in Benghazi, in addition to two other decrees regarding the election of a General Conference for National Reconciliation to be based in Sirte, with its members elected from each municipality.