Syrians Face Worsening Financial Hardship After Assad’s Ouster

Syrians Face Worsening Financial Hardship After Assad’s Ouster

Many Syrians are struggling with worsening economic conditions following the removal of former President Bashar al-Assad, despite the end of his family’s decades-long rule and more than 13 years of civil war. The rebel offensive led by Ahmed al-Sharaa ousted Assad in December 2024, bringing an end to more than five decades of rule by the Assad family. However, for many ordinary Syrians, the political transition has yet to translate into improved living conditions, with financial pressures continuing to affect households across the country. Rising living costs, limited employment opportunities and uncertainty surrounding the country’s economic recovery have left many families struggling to meet their basic needs. The economic difficulties have become increasingly visible, with protests erupting across Syria last month after the government announced another increase in fuel prices. Demonstrators burned tyres, blocked roads and chanted slogans, expressing frustration over the rising cost of living. The protests represented the largest public display of discontent since al-Sharaa assumed power. The government subsequently reversed the fuel price increase following public opposition and calls for further demonstrations. Situation Monitor+1 The BBC reported that rising prices for essential goods and services have placed additional pressure on households. Some families have been forced to reduce food consumption, borrow money, sell personal belongings and cut electricity usage to manage their expenses. One resident reportedly said his electricity bill accounted for about a third of his family’s income, forcing the household to switch off its refrigerator for several hours daily. Retirees and low-income households have also struggled to cope with rising expenses as financial assistance from international organisations has declined. SME-INSIGHTS+1 President al-Sharaa has been overseeing Syria’s political transition and efforts to revive an economy weakened by years of conflict, international isolation and economic mismanagement. Although some international sanctions have been eased and efforts have been made to attract investment, economic recovery remains slow and uneven. Syrian columnist and Chatham House consulting fellow Haid Haid said a significant proportion of the population was financially worse off than before Assad’s removal. He attributed the difficulties partly to the economic legacy of the former government and partly to policies introduced by the new administration. Syria continues to face enormous reconstruction needs following years of civil war that devastated infrastructure, displaced millions and weakened essential public services. The World Bank has estimated that rebuilding the country will require approximately $216 billion. Meanwhile, poverty remains widespread, with millions of Syrians depending on humanitarian assistance to survive. SME-INSIGHTS+1 The worsening cost-of-living crisis presents a major challenge for al-Sharaa’s administration as Syrians await improvements in employment, public services and household incomes.