When does market economy intersect with Syrian citizen's dignity?

To those responsible for economic decision-making:

On July 27, 2026, New York City Mayor Zahran Mamdani announced the establishment of five grocery stores designed to provide essential food items at lower prices.

The product range includes vegetables, fruits, meat, seafood, milk, bread, and other staples.

The mayor estimates that these price reductions will save the average household approximately $90 per month—or about $1,000 annually—on their food bill; the city has allocated $70 million in capital funding for the project.

I respectfully ask: You have stated that transitioning to a market economy would improve pricing and competition. However, should we apply the theory exactly as it stands, regardless of our country's specific circumstances? Or should the market economy be adapted to the reality of Syria and the income levels of its citizens?

In New York—the very heart of the American market economy—the city utilizes state mechanisms to help alleviate food costs and protect citizens' purchasing power. Why, then, do we not rebuild a modern national consumer cooperative system that protects Syrian citizens from high prices and supports their ability to secure food?

Consider a simple example: Costco sells a rotisserie chicken for $4.99, where the minimum income is $2,700; in Syria, the price reaches five or six dollars, yet monthly income does not exceed $150. The disparity lies not merely in the price of the chicken, but in the ratio of that price to the citizen's income. This raises a direct question for decision-makers: Why not build a modern Syrian model for consumer cooperatives that protects citizens from soaring prices, rather than leaving them at the mercy of market volatility? We are not calling for a replication of the past; rather, we advocate for building a modern institution that purchases in bulk, reduces costs, and ensures price stability—aligning with people's incomes rather than rigid theories. What is needed is a realistic economic decision that places the citizen's purchasing power at the heart of the equation and leverages global best practices for the benefit of Syria and its people.

Thank you. These words stem from our sincere dedication to Syria and our concern for the citizens' livelihood; they are not merely abstract theorizing detached from reality.

We hope the voices of ordinary people are heard before it is too late.

Bashar Nouri (Head of the "Loyalty to Syria" Commission) – Zaman Al-Wasl