(AFP PHOTO/GIANLUIGI GUERCIA)
The new constitution will increase the country’s spending rates as percentages of GDP for health, education and scientific research, Egypt’s 50-Member Committee Head Amr Moussa said in an interview with AlBorsa newspaper.
“Article 238 obliges the state to reach international spending rates by a specific time,” Moussa said. He reiterated that the proposed in the amendments increase the spending rates to 3% for health, 4% for education and 1% for scientific research.
According to Moussa, “This is the first time this has been stipulated in an Egyptian Constitution.”
Moussa described setting aside 1% of the GDP for scientific research as a good step under the current economic situation. He asserted, “It currently represents only 3% of the state’s budget”.
In another context, Moussa expressed, “The new constitution allows women to be included in all sate positions, including the judiciary. It provides equal opportunities for women regarding all rights and obligations”.
“Equality applies to all job opportunities and all acquired rights as women are half of Egyptian society,” he said. “There are no prejudices towards women and their status in terms of inheritance, marriage and others, which are based on Sharia Law.”
Moussa also said that the new constitution allows for the children of Egyptian mothers to acquire Egyptian citizenship, a right that was previously only reserved for the children of Egyptian fathers.
Translated from AlBorsa Newspaper
