Salary increase is the citizen’s right

Oxford Business Group issued a report in 2017 on the challenges the Kuwaiti government faced in convincing members of parliament of its economic reform plan. The report focused on traditional solutions, often suggested by the West, such as examining salaries, attracting investment, developing communication systems, information technology and renewable energy. Additionally, it explored reviving the issue of taxing companies’ profits by percentages up to 10 percent, increasing fuel prices, and phasing out subsidies, starting with electricity. The government warned that if the subsidy burden continued, its value might reach nearly $25 billion by 2035.

While such economic reports from international institutions persuade many people of the need for fiscal responsibility and opposition to perceived financial waste, especially when it affects citizens’ pockets, including salary increases and expanding interest-free loans for retirees, some voices grow louder warning of a gloomy future for the next generations due to what they consider unjustified squandering.

On the other hand, the average citizen questions the concept of preserving wealth for future generations. This citizen, not wellversed in economic jargon or the terminology of future plans, possesses a deep understanding of his country and its leadership. Consequently, the citizen wonders about the guarantees in place to prevent the misappropriation of future billions, as happened with past funds. Questions arise about lands given in large sizes and entire areas now valued in billions, which ended up in the hands of individuals, seemingly unknown to Oxford experts. Current distributions of farms continue without attracting expert attention, despite ongoing discussions about financial waste.

The citizen contemplates when to believe economists and those aligning with them regarding curbing squandering. The belief may come if measures are applied uniformly. Instead of calling for a halt to salary increases, demand accountability from real estate owners who received grants over time. Addressing major financial embezzlements in state institutions is essential, as a single theft could equal the funds required for salary increases over a decade.

Directing anger at the citizen and expecting him to endure salary freezes for many years while certain groups benefit from financial policies is deemed unacceptable. Even if numerical games are used to justify actions, it remains unacceptable. The government successfully requested the postponement of a proposal to increase salaries, leading to a fracture in the Assembly’s unity. Economists then warned against salary increases, emphasizing their potential danger to Kuwait’s future, while neglecting to address the true squandering of state funds.

The hope is for the Assembly’s unity to be restored to its previous strength, with members prioritizing the citizen’s interests. The citizen’s prosperity has dwindled, and essential provisions are on the verge of disappearing, including the ability to own a residence. Assisting the people of Kuwait should not diminish the “blessing” of state funds, which are, in essence, the people’s funds. What diminishes the “blessing” are individuals among us solely focused on filling their safes through means known to the simple citizen but overlooked by Oxford experts.