欧美文化:Syrian president mandates 50 pct salary increase amid economic downturn

DAMASCUS, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad issued legislative decrees Monday evening, enforcing a 50 percent salary boost for civilians, military personnel, and retirees, according to the state news agency SANA.

The decrees include a 50 percent raise in salaries and fixed wages for both civilian and military personnel, encompassing regular, temporary, and seasonal workers. Additionally, retirees covered by relevant laws will receive a 50 percent increase in pension.

It marks the 10th salary increase since the onset of the Syrian civil war in 2011, amid ongoing economic challenges in the country.

Before the decision, civil servants' monthly salaries ranged from approximately 20 U.S. dollars to 40 dollars, reflecting the fluctuating value of the Syrian pound.

The salary adjustment aims to help mitigate the impact of rising inflation on the population.

Also on Monday, the Ministry of Internal Trade and Consumer Protection announced a doubling of the price of the subsidized bread bundle. Moreover, the ministry raised the diesel price for public and private bakeries by approximately 185.7 percent.

Various factors, including war-induced industrial devastation, corruption, Western sanctions, the fallout from the earthquake last February, control of oil-rich areas by U.S. forces and allied militias, and ongoing emigration of skilled workers, have together contributed to the exacerbation of the economic woes in Syria.