The public sector in the economy was established, and the private sector was given the opportunity to be active. Capitalist, working and middle classes appeared. The question of eradicating class differences and privileges was never really raised in practice. Class differences have now become deeper and more entrenched due to the process of transition to a free-market economy, as advocated and recommended by the World Bank. The fledgling social security system is still not effective.
Yemeni people depend much more on family solidarity and support than on government welfare.
Salaries of public employees are low and not sufficient for making a good living. There is no real social policy followed by the government to reduce class differences and privileges, which are on the increase. Newsletter Opinion Poll Copyright 1997-98 Yemen Times. All rights reserved.