Aden (Yemen), Sep 21 (NationPress) The Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) of Yemen has expressed gratitude for a new economic aid package from Saudi Arabia amounting to 1.38 billion Saudi riyals (approximately 368 million US dollars). This support aims to stabilize the nation’s vulnerable economy and promote local reforms.

In a statement shared on social media platform X on Saturday (local time), PLC head Rashad Al-Alimi emphasized that this grant signifies Riyadh's strong commitment to the Yemeni populace and their aspirations for stability, peace, and development. A portion of these funds will be allocated to cover operational costs at the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Hospital in Aden.

Additionally, Yemen’s Prime Minister Salem bin Buraik praised the grant, asserting that it would bolster the economy and protect the advancements made under governmental reforms.

The Saudi foreign ministry noted that the grant, facilitated through the Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen (SPDRY), will assist in funding the Yemeni government budget, petroleum subsidies, and essential public services, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

This new financial aid arrives amidst rising discontent in Aden and other southern cities under government control, where numerous public sector employees have not received their salaries for over three months.

Since civil war erupted in 2014, Yemen's economy has deteriorated sharply, with real GDP per capita declining by more than half and poverty rates soaring. The ongoing conflict has led to a fragmented country with rival governments, currency devaluation, and millions relying on humanitarian assistance.

A recent report from Xinhua highlighted that frustration in Aden's southern port city and surrounding areas is escalating due to prolonged salary delays affecting tens of thousands of workers.

The delay in payments is pushing many families of civil servants, educators, and healthcare professionals to the brink of survival.

In recent weeks, protests over financial instability have spread to Taiz and other city areas under government control, where demonstrators have gathered outside government buildings, voicing opposition to corruption and demanding immediate salary payments.

Several local activists and labor union members have urged strikes, cautioning that critical services may cease to function.

The Yemeni government, seated in Aden, acknowledges the ongoing crisis, primarily attributing it to an acute liquidity shortfall. Local officials have reported a drop in revenue collection, pointing to poor performance and the inability of certain agencies to transfer funds to the central bank.