The union statement, which was included by the Lebanese official agency NNA, pointed to the collapse in food security as a result of various factors, especially the depreciation of the local currency against the dollar.
In the statement, which warned that there is a serious decline in the food security of the Lebanese, it was pointed out that if the recession in the markets continues and the crisis increases, most of the citizens will not be able to meet their food needs.
In its statement, the union stressed that the “aid ration card,” which it says is the only solution that can provide the basic food needs of Lebanese, should be removed immediately.
The Food Importers Syndicate also called on political forces to prioritize national interests, devote all their performance and time to saving Lebanon, approve reforms, and negotiate with the International Monetary Fund.
In line with the steps to abolish the state subsidy in Lebanon, it is planned to make a monthly payment of 25 dollars to each citizen on the “aid ration” to be given to poor families. Under this plan, Lebanese over 64 will receive an additional payment of $15. It is stated that the total amount of monthly aid that each family will receive within the scope of aid will not exceed $126.
Najib Mikati’s government, which took office in Lebanon on September 10, has not yet taken any concrete steps regarding the aid ration card.
The economic crisis in Lebanon
Lebanon has been struggling with a serious economic crisis, especially since 2019.
The dollar liquidity problem at the central bank and the melting of foreign exchange reserves led to the outbreak of other serious crises in the country.
According to unofficial data, the Lebanese lira depreciated by up to 90 percent against the US dollar, and inflation increased by 700 percent in the country.
In the evaluation report published by the United Nations (UN) on July 1, it was emphasized that more than half of the Lebanese live below the poverty line, and that their living conditions are even worse than during the civil war period of 1975-1990.
According to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for West Asia, in 2021, 74 percent of the Lebanese population suffers from poverty.
