Syrians Bemoan Their Quality of Life

The living conditions of Syrians are deteriorating, according to an official study cited in a June 7 article in pro-government newspaper Qasioun.



The survey, reportedly carried out recently by the Syrian Committee for Family Affairs, revealed that 64 per cent of Syrian workers earned monthly salaries of around 200 US dollars, while 29 per cent of them received between 200 and 400 dollars – considered to be a “good” income by the study.



However, more than half of those surveyed said that they needed a minimum of 400 dollars every month to cover their expenses, according to the newspaper, which is published by the Communist Party in Syria.



Other results showed that 42 per cent of Syrian workers were dissatisfied with their economic situation, as well as with rising unemployment, deterioration in the levels of health care on offer, as well as with the standard of housing and education.



According to the report, more than 50 per cent of the people interviewed said that official committees tasked with creating jobs were ineffective.



The study indicated that Syrians are most concerned about the soaring prices of goods and rising levels of debt, followed by increases in taxes, bills and medical costs.



It also showed that what Syrians wanted most of all was higher wages, followed by more controlled prices and increased job opportunities for young people.



Other findings were that 70 per cent of households borrow money from their relatives; 49 per cent of spending comes from savings; and 56 per cent of people struggle to pay their rent, bills and debt repayments on time.



According to the report, the study showed also that 56 per cent of Syrians had more than one job and 33 per cent had been forced to sell some of their belongings to overcome economic difficulties.