Joey Ghaleb: Economist at the ministry of economy and trade E: How could the Lebanese Government give new impulses to the economy through public spending in 2005? Although “Paris II” may be long forgotten, the Lebanese must keep reminding themselves that soothing political sound bites do not pay the bill. Major structural reforms do and they are only a way for us to face the macroeconomic imbalances facing the country. An international organization recently hinted that Lebanon has approached its tax ceiling capacity under the prevailing economic situation, thereby arguing that the only effective way to reduce the crippling public deficit is by slashing unnecessary spending. This statement contradicts the premise of the question raised by Executive. However, there is another answer. Without disregarding the necessity for structural reforms such as privatization, legislative modernization and the like, a reduction in unnecessary spending will free up much-needed resources that can be
