Syria’s government has taken measures to address the dire state of its economy by doubling public-sector pay and reducing fuel subsidies. These decisions come in the wake of the Syrian pound’s depreciation, which has led to hyperinflation and pushed 90% of the population below the poverty line. The economic hardships have triggered rare protests even in government strongholds. The civil war that erupted in 2011, following President Bashar al-Assad’s violent crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrations, has ravaged Syria, resulting in over half a million deaths and leaving more than 70% of the population requiring humanitarian assistance.
To alleviate the financial strain on civil servants, military personnel, and government contractors, Presidential decrees issued on Wednesday raised their salaries and pensions by 100% – the first increase since December 2021. Additionally, a minimum monthly wage of 185,940 Syrian pounds ($21.76) was established for all workers. However, this wage is only sufficient to purchase a third of the essential food required by a family of five, according to data from the World Food Programme (WFP). It covers just over 10% of their minimum household expenditure, highlighting the inadequate level of support provided.
Unfortunately, the rise in public sector pay may have adverse effects on inflation and the depreciation of the Syrian pound. Economists warn that the economic benefits of the pay increase may be short-lived and overshadowed by inflation within a few months. Moreover, the reduction in fuel subsidies, including a complete removal of petrol subsidies and a partial removal of fuel oil subsidies, is likely to add to the financial burden faced by vulnerable households.
Prime Minister Hussein Arnous has justified the subsidy cuts as a means to benefit the poorest families, decrease the budget deficit, and stabilize the Syrian pound. However, experts argue that the government cannot sustain these subsidies due to financial constraints. It is crucial for the government to implement comprehensive solutions that address the root causes of the economic crisis and provide long-term stability.
Officials have attributed the economic crisis and the suffering of Syrians to strict US sanctions imposed in 2019, which target individuals and entities supporting Assad’s government. Nonetheless, the US maintains that these measures do not hinder humanitarian aid. Regardless of the geopolitical factors at play, it is imperative for the international community to prioritize efforts to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Syria and provide support to the millions of Syrians in need.
The situation in Syria serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of prolonged conflict and the urgent need for effective governance and socio-economic reforms. While immediate measures such as pay increases and subsidy cuts may provide temporary relief, sustainable solutions must be pursued to rebuild Syria’s economy and create a more stable and prosperous future for its people.
