Since the beginning of this month, the new customs dollar rate has come into effect, leading to an increase in many prices and a subsequent rise in the exchange rate of the dollar on the black market. Citizens bear the cost once again, while strict regulatory actions are needed to protect consumers and the poor. Dr. Zahir Barro, head of the Consumer Protection Association, noted that since the onset of the crisis, the association has believed that a comprehensive solution to all problems requires a shift towards a productive and diversified economy, similar to what it was before the civil war. He emphasized that any patchwork attempts will not yield any results, and continuing with the same policies will only lead to collapse.
In an interview with Al-Anbaa electronic newspaper, Barro pointed out that the World Bank has classified Lebanon among the worst economic policies in the world and with the highest corruption rate globally. Instead of support going to poor families, it has been taken by traders, resulting in further collapse, followed by patchwork decisions made by the Governor of the Central Bank, which benefitted banks and large traders, leading to the plundering of depositors' funds and reducing the purchasing power of citizens, especially in the public sector.
Regarding the customs dollar, he viewed it as one of the economic policies in place, which will lead to more inflation and a devaluation of the lira, exhausting citizens and destroying the national economy. He added: "Their goal with the customs dollar is to increase state revenue, but in reality, this will lead to hyperinflation, and wage increases will not yield any results. The customs dollar will exacerbate the crisis and increase poverty, pushing the country into deeper impoverishment."
Concluding his remarks, Barro highlighted that there are no positive developments in the current situation, and it will worsen at the expense of the people. Migration will increase, poverty will widen, and social and security issues will escalate further. However, this will not lead to a social explosion for the sake of change; what is needed from the Lebanese is to change the approach. Today, the Lebanese are at the brink without a bright future for the country, and only real change will benefit it. Therefore, there is a need to reorganize the functioning of institutions, elect a President of the Republic, and form a government to save the country. Economic steps such as the customs dollar are necessary and must accompany a rescue and recovery plan capable of pulling the country out of the quagmire it finds itself in.
