Former Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor has sounded the alarm over Liberia’s worsening economic conditions, claiming that more citizens are unemployed and struggling under the current administration than in previous years.
Speaking candidly on Spoon Talk with Stanton Witherspoon, Taylor did not mince words: “More people are out of jobs now than in the past administration. More people are suffering now than before.”
Her remarks come amid growing frustration among Liberians over skyrocketing living costs and a lack of job opportunities. While Taylor did not cite specific statistics, her comments have reignited public debate over the Boakai-Koung government’s economic policies and its ability to deliver on promises of recovery and employment.
As Vice President under former President George Weah (2018–2024), Taylor acknowledged some progress under the new administration but stressed that much more needs to be done. When asked to rate the current government’s performance, she gave a modest 5 out of 9, signaling that while there may be efforts in place, the results have yet to translate into meaningful relief for ordinary citizens.
“The people are hurting,” Taylor emphasized, urging the administration to take “immediate and decisive steps” to address unemployment and economic hardship.
Taylor’s statements have resonated with many Liberians who report struggling to make ends meet. Market vendors, recent graduates, and daily wage workers have all voiced concerns over the scarcity of jobs and rising prices of basic goods.
“Things are harder now,” said Samuel Doe, a street vendor in Monrovia. “Before, we could at least find small work, but now even that is difficult.”
Despite the growing outcry, the Boakai-Koung government has yet to issue an official response to Taylor’s claims. Analysts suggest that the administration may be under pressure to present concrete solutions, especially as public patience wears thin.
While some supporters of the current administration argue that economic recovery takes time and point to ongoing reforms, critics contend that the government has not done enough to curb unemployment and inflation.
Political analyst Emmanuel Johnson noted, “The challenge for this administration is proving that their policies are working in a way that people can feel. Right now, the average Liberian isn’t seeing the change they hoped for.”
As debates continue, one thing remains clear: Liberians are eager for tangible improvements. Whether the government can turn the tide, and how soon, will likely shape public opinion in the months ahead.
For now, Taylor’s stark assessment serves as both a critique and a challenge to the nation’s leaders: “The people are waiting. They need action, not just promises.”
