Chaos in West Bank: Budgets out of control, salaries unpaid
RAMALLAH — The Palestinian Authority faces rising unrest as it fails
to meet budget and salary commitments.
Officials said the PA has been facing threats of strikes and massive
protests from a range of sectors.
They cited plans for a civil service strike, disruption of universities as well as protests by businessmen.
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"The main problem is lack of budget," an official said. "More
Palestinians believe the government is not giving enough money to the simple
people."
In March 2010, the PA faced threats of a general strike in the West
Bank. Officials said PA civil servants have been complaining of delays in
salaries and bonuses.
Universities in the West Bank have also threatened to close down amid
salary disputes. More than 10,000 university employees have hampered classes
and facilities in a job action supported by students.
Palestinian student leaders said the PA Higher Education Ministry has
decided to convert scholarships to loans. Some of the universities were
believed to have been controlled by the opposition Hamas movement.
Palestinian businessmen have also been warning of retaliation for PA
security raids of their companies. They said the PA was raiding towns and
villages in search of car thieves and unlicensed cars in a campaign that
has disrupted business.