Zaitoun described manipulating olive prices in light of the deteriorating economic and security conditions as a “prescribed crime” committed against citizens who struggle to secure their daily livelihood, while merchants exploit this situation to build huge wealth.
In a statement, Zaitoun expressed his dissatisfaction with the absence of the role of the Ministry of Economy and consumer protection agencies, considering that “silencing this crime is participating in it.”
He strongly criticized the clear discrepancy between officials’ bombastic statements and the lack of any practical measures on the ground. He stressed that the responsibility lies primarily with the ministry, in addition to the owners of large and small stores who exploit people’s needs by changing prices on a daily basis to achieve illegal gains.
Zaytoun called on the Minister of Economy to fully assume his responsibilities and activate oversight devices immediately, demanding that violations be recorded and referred to the Public Prosecution to prosecute “looting merchants.” At the conclusion of his statement, he warned that the continuation of this neglect will increase the suffering of the Lebanese who face limitless greed.
