Finance Ministry Disputes Claims of Deceased Employees on Payroll

Lebanon's Ministry of Finance has pushed back against what it characterizes as "rumors and false information" spreading across media outlets and social networks, which allege that approximately 47,000 deceased public employees remain on the payroll at a monthly expense surpassing 140 billion liras.

In a formal response, the Ministry stated that these allegations lack credible sourcing and appealed to those circulating the figures to substantiate their claims with documented evidence.

The Finance Ministry clarified that pension payments to families of deceased retirees do not necessarily indicate wrongdoing, emphasizing that such disbursements follow established legal frameworks. According to the Ministry, the number of such beneficiaries stands at 27,983 individuals.

Regarding the actual workforce, the Ministry reported that the civilian administrative employees under its direct financial oversight and receiving salaries, benefits, or wages totals no more than 36,650 people, encompassing employees, contractors, and wage earners across the educational sector and other administrative bodies.

The statement outlined that salary disbursement involves multiple layers of administrative review and oversight. This process begins with departmental leadership and extends through general directors and cabinet ministers, ultimately reaching relevant supervisory authorities before funds are processed by the Finance Ministry.

The Ministry indicated willingness to grant oversight bodies full access to its electronic systems to investigate the allegations. It further urged those spreading the claims to either disclose their sources or provide the Ministry with any supporting documentation, pledging confidentiality for whistleblowers.

In its concluding remarks, the Finance Ministry signaled its intention to pursue legal action through competent courts. The Ministry stated it seeks a comprehensive investigation that would identify those responsible for spreading the rumors and trace the origins of the circulating information, with the aim of determining the facts and pursuing appropriate legal remedies against those responsible if violations are substantiated.

The dispute reflects broader public concern in Lebanon regarding fiscal accountability, transparency, and institutional reform—concerns intensified by the country's ongoing financial and economic difficulties, which have heightened scrutiny of government payroll practices, expenditure patterns, and internal control mechanisms.