Are Libyans Still Eating Nutella?

In a conversation with a comrade about the economic situation in Libya, discussing how citizens are suffering from inflation due to the “wise” government’s plan to increase Libyans' salaries only to take it back from them in other ways, and how the liquidity situation has worsened due to the ongoing conflict between the Central Bank governor and the Prime Minister of the “Return of Life” government, my comrade interrupted me with a question, “Are Libyans still eating Nutella?” I said, “Yes, every morning and in most cafes.” He responded, “Then the economic situation is excellent for Libyans!”

It seems the government in Libya operates on this principle, as some see it, using the magic remedy that always works: raising wages in the public sector. This step quickly fell into the trap of price increases. According to many economists, it is natural that when there is a significant increase in the wages of state employees, in large sectors and with large amounts, it naturally affects the increase in citizens' demand for goods, leading to price rises. About four months after the increase, this increase has become meaningless for citizens, finding that the purchasing power of their new salary is the same as their previous salary, if not less. 

 Are Libyans still eating Nutella? 

Then the government moved to its second step, according to some, focusing on cleaning and constructing many roundabouts, paving, and expanding roads, spending amounts that many observers say are enough to build a new country, not just roads in a bullet-ridden and insecure capital! Most of these roads have collapsed, filled with water from a few raindrops that tried to wash away Tripoli’s misery. 

 Are Libyans still eating Nutella? 

After that, the Central Bank governor decided to stop disbursing funds to the “Return of Life” government, after being a partner in the spending he now criticizes day and night, telling Libyans that this government has spent large amounts of money and trying to show that there has been significant corruption, and that the state is on the brink of bankruptcy. His former partner in reviving Libyans, the Prime Minister of the “Return of Life” government, responded that his statements were inaccurate, showcasing to the same Libyans that the Central Bank governor had previously addressed, that the state is fine, and that the government had brought in more than seventy billion dollars to the Libyan treasury over three years, and had managed to pay off all the public debt inherited from previous governments. Despite this, the government, through its (candid) Prime Minister, had stated that it could no longer bear the cost of subsidizing fuel, and that continuing to subsidize this item could have catastrophic effects on its economy in the future. So, are we fine or not? Whoever can answer, please tell us! 

 Are Libyans still eating Nutella? 

The fourth scene in this narrative is bringing Libyans back to their poor situation, where there is no cash in banks, their salaries are delayed, their pockets are empty, and their minds are tied to news of those who torment them, their eyes raised to the fluctuating prices, hoping for news that will save them from feeling helpless and needy in front of their children and families. Meanwhile, a segment of Libyans, their cries reaching beyond the seas but not to those who claim to be their officials, are sprawled in Tunisian hospitals and streets, facing eviction at any moment due to accumulating debts, with the state not paying for their treatment abroad or at home.

The problem is not with Nutella; the problem is our continued compliance with the ruling authority’s plan every time. They constantly try to distract us with our bellies, and our agreement to this is a crime against ourselves and our children. The ruling authority in Libya will not stop using this method until we realize that our dignity is more important than our bellies, that our money belongs to us, and their role is limited to managing it for our benefit. Otherwise, we must expel the employee and those with him. Above all, we must not worship the employee instead of God. 

  Is there anyone who worships an employee?