A wave of debate has surged across Libyan social media platforms following the release of the total expenditures of the House of Representatives (HoR) and its affiliated entities, totaling approximately 895 million Libyan Dinars (LYD) from January to July this year.
Responding to the Central Bank of Libya (CBL)’s statement, Abdullah Belhaq, the official Spokesperson for the HoR, criticised the bank’s approach, which generalised the Parliament’s spending as a lump sum without delving into a detailed breakdown. Belhaq emphasised the need for a more transparent, itemised representation, accusing the bank of presenting information that could be perceived as incomplete or skewed.
In a report published by the CBL expenses for 18 entities connected to the Parliament were recorded. The HoR, however, pointed fingers at the CBL for obscuring the full picture, a sentiment echoed by Belhaq in press statements with Al-Shahid Libyan newspaper.
The HoR Spokesperson clarified, “the financial expenditure reports released by the CBL encompass more than just the HoR. They include expenses related to several bodies such as the General Intelligence, the Audit Bureau in the east and west, Administrative Control bodies, and the National Planning Council, among others.”
From January to the end of July, the combined expenditure for the HoR and its associated entities was approximated at 894.538 million LYD. This spending covered three primary domains: salaries, day-to-day operational costs, and developmental projects. Each of the 18 entities under the Parliament had its spending meticulously listed across these categories.
The CBL’s report provided a comprehensive look into the parliament’s expenditure. For instance, the Council’s Bureau consumed 66.854 million LYD, with operational costs amounting to 12.111 million LYD and salaries accounting for 54.743 million LYD.
The Supreme Judicial Council had a total expenditure of 6.5 million LYD, the Libyan Fatwa House spent 4.146 million LYD, the Supreme Court’s expenses totaled 25.517 million dinars, and the High National Elections Commission (HNEC) used up 61.232 million LYD.
This recent disclosure has underscored the pressing need for greater financial transparency and clarity in Libyan governance.
