The Cabinet addresses the economic and service situation, making several key decisions.

Cabinet Meeting Addresses Economic and Service Challenges in Yemen

On Wednesday, the Yemeni Cabinet convened in the temporary capital of Aden, led by Prime Minister Salem Saleh Bin Brek. The meeting focused on several pressing issues, primarily the economic situation, public services, and the government’s response to citizens’ urgent needs. Additionally, the Cabinet discussed preparations for the ongoing efforts to restore state institutions and end the Houthi rebellion.

Economic Stability and Currency Control

Cabinet members engaged in discussions about the complementary roles of state institutions and the urgent interventions needed to stabilize the national currency. They acknowledged the severe impact of currency fluctuations on citizens’ livelihoods. The meeting emphasized the importance of coordinated monetary and fiscal policies. Members proposed actionable solutions to correct the national economy’s trajectory, including anti-corruption measures, revenue enhancement, and expenditure rationalization. Consequently, the Cabinet decided to hold an extraordinary meeting to focus on coordination efforts aimed at achieving economic stability and halting the decline of the national currency. This includes ensuring timely payment of state employee salaries and maintaining essential services.

Electricity Sector Evaluation

The Cabinet also approved a special session to discuss the electricity sector comprehensively. This session will evaluate performance in generation, transmission, and distribution, as well as assess fuel requirements and proposals for securing supplies. The Cabinet aims to identify feasible alternatives to address urgent challenges and implement immediate solutions to alleviate citizens’ suffering, particularly during the summer months.

Government’s Role in National Challenges

At the beginning of the session, Prime Minister Bin Brek provided a comprehensive overview of recent developments in Yemen, covering political, military, security, economic, and service-related aspects. He highlighted the government’s responsibilities in overcoming critical challenges during this exceptional period. The Prime Minister noted the full support the government receives from the Presidential Leadership Council, Parliament, and various political and national entities. This support aims to enhance the government’s capacity to restore income sources, diversify resources, and build trust with donors and allies for urgent assistance to prevent further economic deterioration.

Commitment to Peace and Security

The Prime Minister also discussed the outcomes of his meeting with the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy to Yemen. He reaffirmed the political leadership’s and government’s steadfast commitment to peace based on the three reference points. He urged the international community to recognize the threat posed by the Houthi militia, which acts as an arm of the Iranian regime, jeopardizing international peace and security. The government remains dedicated to fulfilling the aspirations of the Yemeni people and honoring their sacrifices in restoring state institutions, whether through peaceful means or military action.

Addressing Terrorism and Crime

The Cabinet condemned the heinous crime committed by the Houthi militia in executing Sheikh Saleh Hantous and his grandson Hamza after besieging their home in Al-Salfiyah, Raymah Governorate. This incident highlights the militia’s ongoing record of terrorizing citizens as part of its retaliatory agenda. The Cabinet asserted that the Houthi militia’s crimes and blatant violations against Yemenis opposing its oppressive and sectarian project will not go unpunished.

Combating Drug Trafficking

The Cabinet reviewed a report from Major General Abdullah Al-Ahmadi, Director General of the Anti-Narcotics Administration. The report provided a comprehensive overview of the drug situation in Yemen, detailing security efforts to combat drug trafficking, recent seizures, existing challenges, and proposals to enhance efforts against the spread of drugs and psychotropic substances. The Cabinet expressed its full support for the Anti-Narcotics Administration in fulfilling its responsibilities and emphasized the need for coordination among relevant agencies, the judiciary, and the implementation of strict laws against drug-related crimes.

Collective Responsibility Against Drug Abuse

The Cabinet stressed the collective responsibility to combat this transnational phenomenon that threatens community integrity and youth stability. It called for a comprehensive policy focusing on prevention, treatment, and legal action in coordination with all relevant entities. The Cabinet expressed gratitude to all officers and personnel involved in the fight against drugs, recognizing this struggle as equally critical as the fight against the Houthi rebellion and terrorism.

Enhancing Local Authority Resources

The Cabinet approved a review of recommendations from the Anti-Narcotics Administration’s report and committed to strengthening its capabilities, including increasing its operational budget and establishing a national committee to combat drug trafficking. The Cabinet also discussed the report from the Minister of Local Administration regarding the collection of local financial resources for the fiscal year 2024 across liberated provinces. It urged local authorities to enhance their efforts in resource generation and rectify shortcomings in revenue collection and development.

Conclusion

The Cabinet underscored the importance of local authorities fulfilling their responsibilities to improve financial and administrative performance. It emphasized directing resources toward service and development priorities to alleviate citizens’ suffering and achieve economic stability. The government, under the guidance of the Presidential Leadership Council, is committed to creating favorable conditions for local authorities to perform their duties effectively while continuing to support efforts aimed at improving self-generated resources, reducing corruption, and enhancing public spending efficiency.

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