The Thinni government at its first meeting of the new year in Beida has cut spending on Libyans displaced as a result of the revolution and events since then from LD 41 million to LD 15 million. It has also decided in principle to reduce the number of attachés at Libya embassies around the world as part of its efforts to cut spending.
At its meeting on 1 January, the cabinet again said that the 2015 budget would have to be reduced because of the anticipated drop in earnings from oil sales – both because of reduced oil exports and the plummeting oil price.
Responding to a request from the Labour and Social Affairs Minister for LD 41 million to cover the needs of displaced people all over the country, the cabinet decided that only another LD 15 million could be provided in the present circumstances. According to the minister, the ministry had already spent LD 11 million buying urgently required facilities and equipment to meet the needs of the displaced.
Expressing its regrets at not being able to do more, the cabinet urged the creation of local crisis committees to help fill the gap.
The cabinet also discussed a report from the Foreign Minister Mohamed Al-Dairi on reducing the number of attachés at Libyan embassy around the world. The report advised a moratorium on new attachés being sent abroad and a programme of redundancies for a number of those in post. After discussing the report and approving it in principle, the cabinet nonetheless asked for a quick, detailed study into the effects of reducing the number of embassy attachés.
The cabinet also approved a request from the Deputy Prime Minister with charge over authorities to cancel cabinet decision No. 600/2014 establishing the Libyan Board for Horse Racing under the Agriculture Ministry. Its activities are now transferred to the Libyan Equestrian Federation.
By Libya Herald staff.
