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French Newspaper: Anger Ignites in Syria Following Fuel Price Hikes
The French newspaper "Le Figaro" spotlighted a wave of protests that erupted in several parts of Syria in opposition to the decision to raise fuel prices. The newspaper described the demonstrations as an unprecedented protest movement that could develop into a serious political test for the transitional authorities.
Le Figaro quoted several protesters who voiced their rejection of the decision, saying it came at an extremely difficult time amid the country’s deteriorating living and economic conditions.
The protesters said that raising fuel prices would increase the burdens on residents and drive up transportation costs, as well as the prices of goods and services. They described the decision as a “major mistake” in a country where around 90 percent of the population lives below the poverty line.
The protests come as the transitional authorities face mounting economic and social challenges, amid popular demands to improve living conditions, control prices, and ease the burden on citizens.
