Yemen's Parliament passed on Monday the state budget for fiscal year 2012 after rows between MPs from the GPC and the JMP delayed the
decision for some days.
The 2012 budget, about YR2.1 trillion, was okayed after a heated debate in the presence of the power-sharing government including Prime Minister, Muhammad Basindwa. The deficit was estimated to be more than YR561 billion.
Parliament also formed a panel from MPs and ministers headed by the speaker and premier to study the price of diesel and to submit the
conclusions for discussion, after a price hike draft was rejected almost a week ago.
Separately, the Tax Authority said in a press release on Monday that it suspended its activities at all offices across the republic after armed groups, believed to be loyal to some businessmen, imposed a siege around its Sanaa headquarters.
"The suspension comes to avoid any clashes with the armed groups, which have pitched tents at the HQ and after the security authorities failed to put an end to the siege," the statement made it clear.
Some businessmen staged a sit-in at the headquarters to demand the annulment of the sales tax law.
Since a power-sharing was sworn in according to a power transfer deal brokered by the GCC in November, public offices have been witnessing revolts, with the employees demanding ousting chiefs and robust
reforms.
The revolts were described as the culmination of the popular uprising which erupted in early 2011 and ended with the resignation of former president Saleh.