SDC calls for addressing Syria's cost-of-living crisis

The Syrian Democratic Council issued a statement today regarding the cost-of-living crisis, which read:

"Syria is currently going through an extremely difficult phase. Syrian citizens are bearing mounting living burdens amidst rising fuel and energy prices increases that directly impact transportation, food, heating, and other essential needs.

The rising public anger across various Syrian regions is not something that can be ignored or downplayed; rather, it serves as a warning signal reflecting the depth of the living and economic crisis.

Syrians, exhausted by years of war and poverty, have the right to a dignified life and to a state that listens to their demands and manages the country’s affairs with responsibility and fairness.

The Syrian Democratic Council affirms that the peaceful expression of demands and the staging of protests are legitimate rights. It calls upon our people to maintain the peaceful nature of their actions, safeguard civil peace and both public and private property, and prevent legitimate demands from devolving into conflict or chaos.

Rebuilding Syria does not begin with appearances, celebrations, or speeches; it begins with restoring order to people's lives, securing their basic needs, ensuring food security, revitalizing the economy and production, reforming state institutions, and embedding integrity, transparency, and accountability.

At this juncture, Syria requires all its skilled professionals and expertise. Competence must be prioritized over loyalty, and the public interest over kinship and cronyism; the right person must be placed in the right position. Difficult circumstances and scarce resources do not absolve officials of their responsibilities; instead, they make sound management and the proper setting of priorities even more urgent."

And when... As people suffer, rationalizing public spending, curbing ostentatious displays, and respecting public funds become both moral and political imperatives. Furthermore, protecting domestic production and securing food, fuel, and essential needs must rank among the state's top priorities.

Criticizing flawed policies is not an act of opposition to the state; rather, it is a defense of a state that is institutionally strong, fair to its citizens, and capable of listening to their voices and holding those who fail in their duties accountable.

Continuing to ignore the crisis or delaying its resolution will only deepen economic and social tensions, potentially jeopardizing stability and civil peace. Therefore, responding to the people's demands is not a matter that can be deferred, but an urgent national responsibility.

Syria today requires a clear foundation for reconstruction:

People come first; competence takes precedence over loyalty; integrity replaces cronyism; production serves as the basis for recovery; food security is a priority; and the dignity of Syrians stands above all else.

ANHA