Calls for sit-in under “Law and Dignity” slogan in Damascus tomorrow

Damascus is seeing an escalation in popular calls to hold a peaceful sit-in under the slogan “Law and Dignity” on April 17, in Youssef al-Azmeh Square at 2:00 p.m.

According to activists and civil initiatives calling for the event, the sit-in aims to express social, economic, and political demands amid worsening living conditions and rising costs of living.

The list of demands put forward by the organizers includes twenty points, as follows:

“Halting any new increases in prices, fees, and tariffs before correcting wages, and linking salaries and pensions to a realistic cost-of-living basket and a transparent price index.

Immediately revising electricity, water, fuel, transport, and telecommunications tariffs in a way that considers citizens’ purchasing power rather than a revenue-collection logic.

Combating monopolies and preventing price manipulation, and protecting citizens from pricing chaos and market greed.

Protecting essential public services such as electricity, water, health, education, and bread as rights rather than commodities, and rejecting privatization or sale without study, accountability, and transparency.

Ensuring quality healthcare, education, and decent work by improving salaries of medical and educational staff, reducing education costs, and supporting local production and small and medium crafts and enterprises.

Adopting competence and integrity in appointments and promotions, and ending favoritism and chaotic discretionary authority.

Building a fair social protection network for low-income earners, retirees, the elderly, and the most vulnerable families.

Not infringing on individual and public freedoms and constitutional rights.

Reversing unfair and discriminatory administrative decisions that divide areas on sectarian grounds.

Appointing officials based on genuine competence, not loyalty or kinship.

Electing local councils that represent citizens’ interests, increasing their powers, and reducing the authority of the governor.

The city’s governor should be from among its residents and known for integrity and competence.

Reviewing arbitrary dismissals of public sector employees and reinstating those not involved in crimes of the former regime.

Reversing eviction decisions and others in the al-Makhaniyah area and properties that harm local merchants and artisans.

Rejecting seizure of land and real estate.

Committing the transitional government to activating transitional justice and preparing for a political transition process.

Adopting transparency and clarity in decision-making.

Holding free elections for unions and economic chambers.

Building an independent, fair, and transparent judiciary.

Supporting Syrian investors, industrialists, artisans, and merchants.”

A-H 

ANHA