During a session of the Knesset Finance Committee, MK Uri Maklev told his colleagues that the lack of competition, bureaucratic entanglement and a lack of cooperation between government agencies and dock workers are some of the reasons for a rising cost of living.

Maklev explains that often, items are out of season until the bureaucratic nightmare involved with clearing some imports is accomplished, while in other cases, procrastination on the part of dock workers may be responsible for prolonged delays in processing items. He cites that work output from dock workers leaves a great deal to be desired and the situation must be addressed sooner rather than later.

As a result, he explains consumers, are paying higher prices when in many cases this is not necessary. Maklev cites the absurdity of the situation is which on the one side there is a government agency (dock workers) which is responsible and on the other side, speaking out against the poor system is the government and regulator responsible for the Port of Ashdod, questioning who is in charge and who is accepting responsibility.

Maklev feels the fact that committee members from a number of parties in Knesset all agreed to the urgent session of the Knesset Finance Committee signals the magnitude of the problem and the immediate need to find a solution. He told committee members in this particular case, there is no difference between the coalition and the opposition, that finding a workable system will be beneficial to one and all.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)