Libya’s parliament this week refused to approve the government’s 2021 revised draft budget, though members did manage to agree on the public salaries section of the bill which amounts to LD34.6bn ($7.7bn). For many members, planned spending of LD93.8bn ($20.9bn) in 2021 still remains too high for a caretaker government whose term is supposed to end in seven months (MEES, 12 February). The first manifestation of the draft budget which outlined spending of LD96.2bn was ostensibly refused for the same reason. But behind-the-scenes wheeling-and-dealing on appointments to key state positions are also said to be playing a role in the delay. The full approval of a 2021 budget would mark another major milestone for Libya which until this year was split between two rival eastern and western governments.