Yemenis queuing for fuel during one of the frequent fuel crises in Yemen. Sustainable basic services such as fuel and electricity were some of the promises the new government promised the Yemeni people.

SANA’A – Following loudly-voiced criticisms and much deliberation, parliament eventually unanimously endorsed Prime Minister Mohammed Salem Basundwa’s government plan on Wednesday. 

The endorsement presents the new national reconciliation government with the legitimacy it needs to operate and hence receive funding to implement its outlined plan.

Addressing the parliament, the prime minister thanked the MPs not only for their encouragement, but also for their criticisms.

“We hope to accomplish all that is expected of us, although there are difficult tasks ahead; but we are up to the challenge,” he said. He added that the new government is not a miracle-maker and that it will do its utmost to transition Yemen into a more stable situation.

Of the main points for the new government’s program, the PM placed emphasis on economic reform, fighting corruption, democracy, the rule of law, and fighting terrorism.

However, during the past week’s sessions, members of parliament insisted that the new government ensure a timely implementation of the gulf agreement, reestablish basic services such as electricity, fuel and water, help displaced persons return home, and take special measures to compensate those affected by -  or the families of those killed during - the uprising.

Speaker of the parliament Yahya Al-Rai encouraged the government to seriously consider the MPs’ comments.

“This is a time to take practical and tangible measures because the people need this, not more talk,” he said.

The new government is required to provide parliament with a quarterly progress report, the first due in April 2012.

Basundwa’s government, which is comprised of 30 ministers and five state ministers, was sworn in on December 10, 2011.