NNA - Prime Minister, Nawaf Salam, on Tuesday unveiled the commemorative plaque marking the launch of the Tripoli Special Economic Zone campus project, outlining a broader plan to revive the city and northern Lebanon.

Salam said his visit began at a temporary shelter in Mina to check on families displaced from unsafe buildings, stressing that housing allowances are secured for one year and that restoration works have already started on repairable structures. Buildings beyond repair will be demolished, with alternative accommodation provided.

The PM described the situation as the result of long-term neglect, adding that the government has begun addressing it through economic projects, including revitalizing the Special Economic Zone, Tripoli Port, the Rashid Karami International Fair, and hopes of operating Rene Mouawad Airport in Qlayaat.

On recent fiscal measures, Salam defended tax adjustments, saying public sector employees, soldiers, and university staff deserve long-overdue salary increases. He said funding, estimated at $800 million, will come from improved tax and customs collection, additional quarry fees, recovery of maritime property dues, and a limited 1% VAT increase that excludes essential goods, education, and health services.

Salam stressed that without new revenues, Lebanon would risk inflation and currency instability, affirming that the measures aim to prevent economic collapse while protecting vulnerable groups through the Aman social support program.