Deri: Government unfit to govern
Former Shas chairman takes advantage of haredi party's silence over recent price hikes, says 'situation has become unbearable'
Deri, who is slated to run in the next Knesset elections, told Ynet that the government was "unfit to govern."
Deri added that "the situation has become unbearable. My goal is to see the government fix things. Should it fail to do so, the public deserves a more worthy government."
The former Shas chairman made his remark while the party ministers, led by current Shas Chairman Eli Yishai, have remained silent in regards of the recent price hikes and the housing crisis.
Deri decided to act fast in order to take advantage of the momentum and present Yishai as a weak social leader who fails to care for the weak and poor.
Interior Minister Yishai joined Deri's calls several hours later, pleasing with Netanyahu to reduce the petrol, water and bread prices even if such a move would entail budget cuts.
"It's the government's responsibility to defend the public," Yishai clarified. "We are at the start of an overall socioeconomic collapse. We must stop being socially blind. Our personal existence is in danger and the tsunami should be curbed."
Criticism in PM's party too
The recent price hikes have also been blasted by the Histadrut labor federation, which is threatening to launch a strike, and Likud faction members, who have warned the prime minister and finance minister that the situation may bring down the government.
"If we continue with this line you will no longer be prime minister, even if you are the most suitable person for the job," Knesset Member Haim Katz told Ynet on Monday. "I hope you will present a solution to the petrol price increase," added MK Miri Regev, "otherwise you are not only hurting the weak, but the middle class too."
Netanyahu responded, "We will make a responsible and non-populist decision. There is nothing easier than making a populist decision."
Kobi Nahshoni contributed to this report
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