This report looks at the worsening education and cost-of-living crisis caused by sharp increases in private school fees in Lebanon. It presents statements from several MPs on the problem and its direct impact on families.
MP Alain Aoun said higher fees are partly tied to the need to raise teachers’ salaries and keep qualified staff. However, he noted that the increase puts a heavy and painful strain on family budgets. MP Tony Frangieh described falling incomes and weaker purchasing power as the biggest challenge, as living costs keep climbing. MP Ghassan Hasbani explained that local and global economic crises set off unprecedented inflation. The education sector was hit like every other.
MP Waddah Sadek criticized the state’s ongoing failure to provide basics such as electricity for public schools. He also asked how private schools can keep going without piling extra burdens on parents. MP Ali Mikdad pointed to the social effects of the crisis. For example, some parents must look for basic, low-cost transport options to cut what they pay for their children’s commutes.
Finally, MP Bilal Abdallah called for strict oversight. He urged an end to the greed of some private school and university administrations. This, he said, would protect citizens and safeguard the right to education in Lebanon.
