Eli Q bazzi, the head of the Association of Used Car Importers in Lebanon, issued a statement today raising the alarm that "the strike being carried out by public sector employees has led to catastrophic consequences for the automotive sector," emphasizing that "the continuation of the strike will result in the closure of what remains of institutions and the complete collapse of this sector."
Q bazzi confirmed that "the association stands in solidarity with public sector employees regarding their rightful demands for equity and improving their incomes to ensure a decent life for them and their families." However, he also pointed out that "the open-ended strike conducted by the Association of State Administration Employees has had a very negative and significant impact on car dealerships and on companies importing cars, which have completely halted their operations. This threatens the closure and downfall of what remains of these companies."
Q bazzi warned that "the continued closure of state administrations and institutions, including the services in Lebanon (the Traffic Management and Vehicle Registration Authority), and thus the halt of all car registration processes, will also disrupt the sale of both used and new imported cars. This could jeopardize the promising summer season, which we had hoped would provide us with a breath of fresh air to protect us from the threat of collapse, especially with the large number of Lebanese expatriates coming to spend their summer vacation in their homeland."
He called on Lebanese state officials and the leadership of the employees' association to "engage in more communication and dialogue to reach an understanding that ensures fairness for public administration employees and responds to the interests of the Lebanese people."
