Presidential generosity for ending the crisis

His latest promise was to eliminate the import tax on textile fabrics, and other essential sewing supplies used as raw materials in duty-free establishments.
As usual, this presidential promise was announced with great pomp, and fanfare, during his visit to the northern region of the Island through which he has been crisscrossing since Friday, October 4, 2002.
According to the president, the financial sponsors have not opposed this new measure which is designed to boost the industrial sector by revitalizing the textile industry, and in turn, the duty-free establishments.
It is a known fact that these that these two sectors have suffered serious setbacks following the latest crisis.
The aim is to give hope to the thousands of laid-off workers who have been directly affected by the political crisis when factories closed their doors.

Following the elimination of import taxes on cement and fertilizers, as well as the suspension of user co-payments in public health clinics, and the infamous cost recovery efforts, the textile industry revival issue is back on track.
Sources within well informed circles indicate that, undoubtedly, there is a need to legislate the presidential decisions.
Additionally, the financial sponsors who, as a rule, in an effort to give the administration the opportunity to raise its revenues, has systematically refused to lighten or eliminate tax burdens, would be more lenient in the current framework of the crisis recovery.
However, well-informed sources confirm that we should not expect the current presidential generous mindset to go on for many years.
Given that they are aimed at supporting the socio-economic recovery process, some of these measures will only be available during 2002.

These presidential promises are starting to raise concern within some circles, particularly within the administration.
Nonetheless, the new president’s provincial visits give him the opportunity to shore up his political authority, and to prove to his fellow citizens that the political crisis is now history.
As Prime Minister Jacques Sylla indicated on Saturday, October 5, 2002, economic recovery is now the priority.

Translated by J. F. Razanamiadana