What are the goals behind the new mechanism for the Houthis to announce the payment of salaries of public sector employees?

The Houthi group has unveiled a new mechanism for paying public sector salaries, which was announced under a law issued in December 2024. Although the Houthis claim that this plan aims to achieve justice and address the crisis of unpaid salaries, the mechanism has sparked widespread controversy over the potential risks that may arise from it.

This mechanism is based on creating a special account in the Central Bank branch in Sana’a, to collect financial resources from government agencies and the private sector. The procedures include imposing mandatory contributions on companies and government departments, in addition to transferring the resources of the Teacher Fund to this account.

The Mokha Center for Studies considered the Houthi mechanism as a manipulation of employees' rights, as the lists of those entitled are replaced, which makes the disbursement of salaries subject to the group's estimates. There is also unfair discrimination, as employees are divided into three categories according to which the value of salaries is determined, which contradicts the principles of social justice.

The center confirmed that the Houthi plan behind this mechanism is to directly control the resources of companies and the public sector under the pretext of paying salaries, which increases fears of seizing resources. The plan also did not adequately care for teachers, which exacerbates their suffering in light of the high rates of deprivation.

Under the Houthi mechanism, the Houthi finance minister has absolute authority to determine contributions and dispose of resources, raising concerns about transparency and accountability. The mechanism also includes imposing new taxes on luxury goods and income, which burdens citizens.

Analyses indicate that the Houthis are seeking to impose a new reality that suits their interests in any future negotiations, given their limited control over resources and lack of transparency. This mechanism is likely to fail, as have previous initiatives, due to growing popular rejection and general discontent.

The center stressed that this mechanism is a dangerous step that may deepen the economic crisis and endanger the rights of public employees, which requires international and local action to protect citizens and ensure justice in the distribution of salaries.