The Islah party is trying to exploit the situation by championing the 'case of the people'. Experts offer three reasons for the restlessness. It is no secret that Yemen is a poor country. Half of the Yemeni population is under 18 years of age. About a third of the Yemeni population does not have enough to eat, leading to sever malnutrition.
Violence erupts, therefore, as a result of economic hardships.
Most Yemenis do not trust the politicians who run the country. In fact, the people believe that their bad economic conditions are the direct result of the corruption of the officials and their clienteles. Therefore, fighting corruption has become a top-priority demand. The lush gardens and luxurious villas, the fountains and swimming pools in private homes, the sophisticated electronic gadgets, big cars, etc., have all become a source of aggravation. It is not that the people do not accept the symbols of wealth, but it is because they feel that such has not been earned.