Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri says the government won't introduce any new taxes on individuals and has promised to halve the salaries of ministers and lawmakers. It's part of a reform package and budget for 2020 drawn up in response to anti-government protests that have gripped the country over the past few days. Hariri's economic plan includes a budget deficit of 0.6 percent of GDP for next year, down from the previous target of 7 percent. He's also promising more aid to poorer families.
Tens of thousands of protesters have been demonstrating since Friday after the government introduced a tax of 20 US cents on calls made via WhatsApp and other messaging services. And for more on this TRT World's Adam Pletts gave us the latest from Beirut.
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