Libya's political division has far-reaching consequences beyond the political sphere, significantly impacting the country's economic and social conditions. According to Ali Al-Sharif, an economics professor at the University of Benghazi, the prolonged lack of a comprehensive political solution has led to a decline in the effectiveness of state institutions and a resurgence of corruption and misuse of public funds. This has resulted in increased financial burdens on citizens and a decline in the quality of essential services.
The division of institutions has created an environment conducive to corruption and misuse of public funds, with a significant impact on the country's economy. Al-Sharif noted that the continued division has affected the management of public resources, leading to increased spending and financial burdens. Furthermore, the phenomenon of smuggling goods and fuel has become more widespread, resulting in a loss of state resources. The lack of unified and effective institutions limits the state's ability to manage resources efficiently.
Weak oversight and accountability are significant challenges accompanying the institutional division, according to Al-Sharif. There is a pressing need for a more effective oversight system capable of monitoring public spending and addressing corruption and misuse. Protecting public funds is not only about increasing resources but also about efficiently managing them and ensuring they are directed towards sectors that benefit society and the economy.
The crisis has had a direct impact on essential sectors that affect citizens' daily lives, including healthcare and education. Al-Sharif pointed out that the level of healthcare services has declined due to the lack of an effective health insurance system. Additionally, frequent disruptions in the education sector have affected the regularity of the educational process and the quality of its outcomes.
The issue of irregular migration is an additional challenge facing the state, and addressing it requires more than just a security approach. Al-Sharif emphasized that it is also linked to the pressures that this phenomenon can put on public services and institutions. He highlighted concerns about cases of forgery or irregularities in some data and civil registry records, stressing that such issues require careful institutional handling.
The most direct impact of these imbalances is reflected in citizens' living standards and purchasing power, given the rise in prices of essential goods and services. Al-Sharif noted that the increase in prices of basic goods, including flour and bread, puts more pressure on families. He emphasized that the economic situation should not be measured solely by the size of government spending or the number of economic decisions made.
Overcoming the crisis requires a comprehensive political solution that paves the way for rebuilding state institutions on a unified basis, away from continued division. Al-Sharif stressed that the selection of leaders and cadres within state institutions should be based on efficiency, ability, and integrity, with a focus on building an effective oversight and accountability system. He also emphasized the need for more efficient management of public resources, control of spending, protection of revenues, and combating corruption.
Key points
- Libya's ongoing political division is straining the country's economy and essential services.
- The division has led to increased corruption and misuse of public funds.
- Citizens are bearing the brunt of the crisis, with a decline in their purchasing power and living standards.
