In an address at the College for Academic Studies in Or Yehuda on Wednesday, 20 Teves 5773, Minister of Finance Dr. Yuval Steinitz admitted the outgoing administration did not succeed in certain areas regarding social economic affairs.

“The social situation in Israel is not good and there is much that should be improved. There is poverty, and there are wide and unacceptable social gaps, and the criticism of them is partly justified,” said Steinitz. “Criticism of us as a government is proper, but we are acting correctly, and we will succeed in future in correcting and improving the situation.”

Globes adds that the senior minister added that most of the structural reforms started during his term have not succeeded. “The Ministry of Finance has not completed several key matters.”

When asked about the next government, following elections, Steinitz acknowledged that if given the option, he would like to continue serving as finance minister.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)