Yemen’s Houthis begin radical reforms plan

The Houthi Ansarullah movement’s new “National Vision” lays out Sana'a's road map towards building a “modern, stable and democratic state,” which seeks peace and equal cooperation with the international community.

The Ansarullah’s incumbent President of the Supreme Political Council in the Yemeni capital, Sana'a, Mahdi al-Mashat, announced the implementation of the movement's manifesto this week. 

Press TV was among the first to receive the English translation of the document, which contains 175 strategic aims on how to rebuild the badly damaged nation. 

The reforms plan, known as the National Vision, aims to protect the Yemeni people and rebuild the war-torn country, while at the same time, “strengthen state institutions,” which have been rendered inadequate due to the war.

President al-Mashat, who is also a senior member of the Ansarullah political party, acknowledged that Yemen is at a difficult stage in its history. 

Speaking at the inauguration event attended by members of the Council, Mashat called for the nation to sharpen its resolve and move towards rebuilding the country.

However, Mashat admitted that “while we are confronting the (Saudi-led) aggression, we are at the same time facing the challenge of the state-building.”

The Ansarullah-led government, known as the National Salvation Government of the Republic of Yemen, has officially adopted this new vision.

Yemen has been dealing with ongoing conflict, which includes a nationwide blockade, enforced by the Saudi Arabia-led coalition of regional allies that launched a devastating campaign against Yemen in March 2015.

The Saudi coalition’s offensive was aimed at bringing the government of former President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi back to power by crushing Ansarullah and their National Salvation Government in Sana'a.

Speaking to Press TV, the chairman of the International Solidarity Committee with Yemen, Rune Agerhus, explained why this new vision is so important.

“This document is truly historic. First of all, it completely shreds the narrative of supposed ‘violent rebels’ holding the capital, but rather shows a competent government institution showing a willingness to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people, it re-establishes the Yemeni democracy and seeks to make Yemen a prosperous nation.”

“It's also a sign of Yemen opening its arms to the international community. They want to re-establish good and equal relations with the countries of the world, as well as open up for foreign investments.”

The idea of a new National Vision was initially proclaimed by the former Yemeni President Saleh al-Sammad. Samad was killed during a coalition airstrike last year. 

A famous quote by the former president, "one hand protects, the other hand builds," has been used as the slogan for the Sana'a government’s new vision.

Some of the many critical areas of focus for the government include raising the average life expectancy and improving electricity and water supplies, while also reducing the illiteracy rate and tackling corruption.

Ismail al-Shami, the media announcer for Yemen’s state TV channel al-Masirah, told Press TV that the Vision was a “good and practical” step.

“The vision was made from the reality of the need of Yemeni citizen’s and has many steps that will help in building Yemen and raise living standards.”

Shami added, “It will help provide services and strengthen the economy to reach self-sufficiency in all areas, if they apply it well.” 

The deadline for successful implementation of the Ansarullah vision is the year 2030.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk