Billionaire forms new Palestinian political party
Hundreds of Palestinian business people and professionals, led by a billionaire, have launched a new political movement, reflecting growing disillusionment with President Mahmoud Abbas’ Fatah party.
Fatah has dominated Palestinian politics for decades, but failed to reform or clean up its corrupt image, even after a painful loss to Hamas in parliament elections nearly two years ago.
Billionaire businessman Munib al-Masri, 73, inaugurated his Palestine Forum yesterday with meetings in Ramallah and Gaza, linked by video conference.
Supporters said he would convert the new group into a political party and field candidates in the next Palestinian election. No date for an election has been set.
Fatah and Hamas have been locked in a bitter struggle since the 2006 election swept Fatah from power. In June, Hamas forces overran Gaza, prompting Mr Abbas to dismiss the Hamas-led government and appoint his own, which, in effect, rules only the West Bank.
Recent polls have shown that about a third of the people have no faith in either party. Mr al-Masri said he planned to step into that breech, emphasising the economy, education and welfare programmes for the needy as well as reuniting the West Bank and Gaza.
“My concern about the fate of my people has driven me to form a national democratic body that cares about people,” Mr al-Masri said.
“The situation is very difficult, the national cause is deteriorating and people are frustrated.”
US-educated Mr al-Masri runs an investment company that controls the telecommunications sector and has holdings in industry, agriculture, tourism and in banks. His leadership appeals to the West Bank’s elite and middle class, trying to protect their investments and businesses in a chaotic political situation.
Since Mr Abbas formed his new government, the West has resumed aid to his regime, but the situation remains critical, with overall unemployment of about 30% and more than half the people under the poverty line.
At the same time, Israel sealed the borders of Hamas-ruled Gaza, deepening poverty there. Hamas, which rejects the existence of Israel, is listed as a terror group by Israel, Europe and the US. Fatah favours peace with Israel.
The 2006 election reflected frustration with Fatah for corruption, nepotism and ineffective rule as much as support for Hamas. Members of the Palestine Forum said if Fatah did not reform itself, the new group was poised to replace it.
