The Retired Military Personnel Collective issued a warning against any “slander or infringement” on their rights, vowing to respond to attempts to sideline their demands.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the collective expressed their outrage at the government’s attempt to divide the ranks of retired military personnel and sow discord between the collective and the Association of Army Retirees, emphasizing that the goals of both groups are aligned. The statement specifies: “Our ultimate goal is to ensure a decent life for retired military personnel and to guarantee salary equality across all components of the state.”
“If defending the rights of retirees is considered a crime or an insurrection against the state, we are proud to fight this battle,” the statement read.
The Gathering also condemned what it called “discriminatory policies” within the public sector, holding political authorities accountable for the “dismantling of the nation and its institutions, especially those related to security.”
They argued that the public’s spontaneous reaction to the secretive government session was not an organized action but rather an expression of frustration and humiliation felt by those who had dedicated their lives to defending the state, only to be abandoned by a government that is now betraying them.
This statement came in response to remarks made by Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati on Wednesday, following protests triggered by a surprise Cabinet meeting earlier in the day at the Grand Serail.
Mikati responded to the protests, which erupted after Tuesday’s scheduled session was postponed, saying, “It seems that organized groups, mobilizing under the slogan of ‘defending the rights of retired military personnel’, have decided to turn against the state and the Council of Ministers, paralyzing the country.”
He questioned, “Is it a crime for the government to meet and discuss matters concerning the public and public administration?”
It’s worth noting that the government hastily convened on Wednesday to address the agenda initially planned for Tuesday’s session, which had been delayed due to a lack of quorum. Retired military personnel had organized a sit-in and blocked access to the Grand Serail, demanding their rights be addressed.
