The Lebanese parliament reportedly approved an increase in the VAT rate from 10% to 11% on 15 March 2017 as part of several tax increases meant to balance the country's budget, and will approve other budget-related measures in the coming weeks. The approval of the tax increases, which must still be signed into law by the president, has resulted in public protests lead on by various civil society groups and certain political parties. Additional details of the tax increases will be published once available.