You hear more and more Egyptian citizens and foreign analysts going down the same notch: The government is incompetent, setting the wrong priorities and lavish with borrowed money building Cloud cuckoo homes while filling their own pockets.

Is that so? I absolutely don’t think so. But the style of governing hasn’t changed much.

I would like to take a recent outcry exemplifying how statehood is still understood by the government, 10 years after the revolution on June 30^th, which promised a grave change of every aspect of life and gave hope to participation in decision making.

Egypt, well known for ancient history and architectural wonders, is currently, among other challenges, facing the consequences of rapid development.

The recent demolition of historic tombs in Cairo’s Mamluk Qarafa area, known as the ‘City of the Dead’, has sparked renewed outrage among archaeologists, experts, and the public. This controversial decision, made in the name of progress, while Egypt is grappling with rising inflation, which further strain the economy and its citizens.

‘The government prioritizes infrastructure over heritage to serve all Egyptians.’

But among those Egyptians, who are offended by this policy style are the ones carrying a huge part of the financial burden caused by the decision makers.    

                  The destruction of historic tombs in Cairo’s Mamluk Qarafa area, which holds an immense historical and architectural value, making it an integral part of Egypt’s heritage has put disgruntled citizens on the map, who did not hold back their anger: ‘Why are the tombs of famous and historical figures not preserved and restored and turned into shrines for lovers of history and culture?’ “Other countries are trying to purchase history,” popular television presenter Lamees El Hadidi decried, “We already have history, and we’re choosing to bulldoze it?!”

Despite opposition from institutions such as Al-Azhar and experts, the Ministry of Housing approved the demolition.

The decision to demolish these tombs as part of a bridge-building project raised questions about the intellectual integrity of those in charge of the decision and responsible for the preservation of Egypt’s cultural identity and respect for the dead. ‘Famous and historical figures, who rested in peace for fourteen centuries are now being desecrated by culturally illiterates.’

Would it not have served the self-understanding of Egypt’s citizenry and moreover promoted the relevance of Egypt’s intellectuals better, if, at the time the idea came up, a cultural dialog with the interested public would have been called into life? Discussing the project from many angles and aspects with the results being published and reaching the relevant ministries? Inviting the responsible governmental bodies to take part in these discussions?

The Impact of Governing over People’s Heads

The destruction of historic tombs, the impact of the inflation and the poor communication policy from the side of the government has added to questioning major projects of Egypt’s development plan altogether. People who share the governments’ enthusiasm about the projects concluded and those in progress seem more and more to circle around those benefiting in one way or another from them.

The official figures of inflation do not fully capture the true extent of price increases, as street markets and grocery stores often reflect even steeper price hikes. The ongoing war in Ukraine and its impact on global food and energy prices have added heavily to the economic hardships faced by Egyptian citizens.

The burden falls heavily particularly on those from lower-income households. Yet measures to mitigate the impact of inflation, leading to i.e., skyrocketing food prices have on the poor, have hit the middle class hardest, because to balance the withdrawal of price subsidies out, with a significant portion of Egyptians living in poverty, the middle class is designated to pay for the escalating prices, thus hampering their ability to maintain their previous standard of living. Some might have to withdraw their children from schools or universities. “My wife and I were considering having another child, but after the recent price hikes, we’ll forget about it.” The new reality has driven families that were considered part of the middle class to seek help.

         In the early years of the then new government there was a spirit of optimism and the ability for financial undertakings. People had options.

In November 2016 the IMF approved the three-year, $12 billion loan to support the government’s home-grown comprehensive economic reform plan. One major condition for the loan agreement was: Egypt had to float its currency. This led to the grave devaluation of the Egyptian pound from an official rate of around LE9 to the dollar to around LE15 to allow for increased Egyptian exports. This was the first big blow to the social fabric, Egyptians had to endure.

          Consequently, the spirit has weakened considerably. Not that the people don’t believe in these projects anymore. But people are clearly realizing that the desired extent of modernization will indeed require the sacrifice of an entire generation. The president said this, when he took office.  

At the National Youth Conference in Alexandria a few days ago President Sisi said “We have been in a crisis for three years [since outbreak of COVID-19]…It slowed our progress…It caused price hikes…Yet, the population increased by 6 million…We also have nine million refugees and migrants…Further, in the past nine weeks, 120,000 crossed into Egypt from Sudan.”

Speaking to new cadets at the Military Academy, Al-Sisi said it is not Egypt alone that has been going through economic crises over the past three years, noting that the entire world economy was facing a sharp decline which, unfortunately, is not expected to end soon. Developing countries like Egypt continued to have difficulties attracting investors who are uncertain about where the world economy is heading.

On June 14^th President Abdel Fattah El Sisi has ruled out another devaluation of the Egyptian Pound in the near future, obviously as a response to a broadening sense of uncertainty and frustration among the people. But, addressing criticism related to megaprojects he shouldn’t have said: “Should I leave people stuck on the roads or living in tin homes [shanty towns] or allow food to be a little more expensive,” While certainly most Egyptians from every background agree the need of these massive housing projects, downplaying current prices with ‘a little more expensive” is like a slap in the face to people, who are struggling. Meat prices have doubled, yet salaries have remained the same. Egypt is ahead of Eid-al-Adha, where consuming meat is almost a religious duty.

While foreign investors need to build confidence into Egypt’s economy, there is also a need for the government to build confidence into the country’s thought leaders and intellectuals. Will the government jump over its shadow and incorporate the intellectual potential of its citizens into suitable projects for decision-making processes?

Egypt experienced more historic turning points than most countries and can certainly navigate current challenges and move towards a sustainable and culturally vibrant future.