By Georges Pierre Sassine

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of Annahar Newspaper on October 20, 2012.

Lebanese politicians, economists, and businessmen are debating the recent government proposal to raise public sector salaries. However, the debate is ignoring the fundamental question of whether salary increases are enough to improve the quality of life of Lebanese citizens.

This article argues that salary increases alone are not enough to improve the purchasing power of Lebanese citizens; and suggests a series of reforms to reduce the high costs of living, including housing, food, and gas prices.