107 MPs deny approval of new taxes

More than one hundred members of the Libyan House of Representatives have denied issuing any official or binding decision to impose new taxes or financial burdens, amid growing controversy over reports of a levy on certain imported goods.

In a joint statement, 107 MPs said the House, as Libya’s competent legislative authority, has not adopted any legislation introducing new taxes during a formally convened session with a legal quorum, nor in accordance with the constitutional and procedural requirements governing parliamentary work.

The statement came in response to claims that the Central Bank of Libya had imposed a tax on some goods. Lawmakers stressed that any correspondence or letters being circulated, regardless of the issuing body, do not represent the will of the House and have no legal or binding effect unless approved through proper legislative procedures.

No legal validity without parliamentary vote

The MPs said that any measure attributed to the House outside a duly held session is neither enforceable nor constitutionally valid. They warned against relying on such documents to justify actions that could affect the country’s financial and monetary stability or infringe upon citizens’ rights.

The lawmakers also declared that they bear no legal or constitutional responsibility for any decision not collectively approved by the House through established legislative channels.

They called on individuals, companies and institutions who have been, or may be, affected by the alleged tax measures to seek recourse through the judiciary and to challenge any such procedures using available legal mechanisms.

The signatories reaffirmed what they described as the House’s exclusive authority to pass legislation and rejected any attempt to attribute decisions to parliament without a sound legal basis.

Earlier on Monday, the Government of National Unity announced its categorical rejection of imposing taxes on imported goods, whether through foreign currency sales or documentary credit operations.

The government reiterated that the underlying cause of the ongoing depreciation of the Libyan dinar lies primarily in parallel spending outside the approved state budget.

The dispute follows reports that a tax on imported goods was being introduced under a decision attributed to the presidency of the House of Representatives. No official statement confirming the measure has been issued, while a significant number of MPs have publicly denied endorsing any such action.

The development adds to mounting tensions over fiscal policy and economic management, at a time when Libya continues to face currency pressures and political divisions.