Riyadh (South24 Center) 

The Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) held a meeting in the Saudi capital Riyadh on Thursday (May 1) to discuss developments in local and regional affairs, against the backdrop of a worsening service and economic crisis in the southern capital Aden and surrounding governorates.

According to a statement released by Yemen's official Saba News Agency, the meeting was attended by Council Chairman Rashad al-Alimi along with members Sultan al-Arada, Abdullah al-Alimi, Othman Megli, and Faraj al-Bahsani. Tariq Saleh and Abdulrahman al-Mahrami participated via video conference, while Aidrous al-Zubaidi was officially absent.

The statement said the meeting focused on "reviewing developments in economic, service, security, and humanitarian conditions”, which have been exacerbated by "terrorist Houthi militia attacks - backed by the Iranian regime - on oil facilities and international shipping lanes”.

Meeting of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council in Riyadh, May 1, 2025 (Saba News Agency)

The Council reported receiving updates from members and relevant government agencies regarding implementation of previous decisions and recommendations related to enhancing security and improving living conditions. These reports covered employee salary payments, funding allocations for basic commodity imports, operation of power generation plants, measures to control budget deficits and inflation, and efforts to stabilize the national currency exchange rate.

The statement noted that Chairman al-Alimi also briefed attendees on his recent meetings at the local, regional and international level, aimed at coordinating policies and responding effectively to the growing challenges.

Related: Southern Transitional Council Holds PLC Chairman, PM Responsible for Aden’s dire condition

Additionally, the Council reviewed field reports on the military situation, combat readiness levels, and progress in implementing the decision to unify combat fronts, amid escalating Houthi threats in multiple regions.

The Presidential Council announced its support for measures by the Central Bank of Yemen to "restore market control, eliminate monetary distortions, and enhance transparency and compliance with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing standards”.

The Council held the Houthi group responsible for "the deterioration of living conditions, inviting international sanctions, militarizing territorial waters, and harming Yemeni national interests and security”, according to the statement. It called on the Houthis to "prioritize national interests, abandon Iran's expansionist project, and opt for peace in accordance with agreed references and UN Security Council Resolution 2216."

Meanwhile, Aden's electricity sector continues to suffer from recurring crises due to fuel shortages and aging power plants, while the local currency keeps recording increasing losses. On Thursday, the US dollar traded at 2,565 riyals for buying and 2,600 riyals for selling, in the absence of effective economic reforms.