Prime Minister Sherif Ismail resumed his work on Saturday, holding meetings with the ministers of justice, transportation, and petroleum, following two months of medical leave.
Ismail had been absent from his position for over two months due to being in Germany for medical attention. During that time, Housing Minister Mostafa Madbouly led the cabinet as acting prime minister.
Ismail has been leading the cabinet since 2015. He has overseen the implementation of the state’s economic reform programme that began in 2016 and is also fully aware of all recent economic measures undertaken and their consequences.
Two weeks ago, the government witnessed a limited cabinet reshuffle that saw four new ministers appointed. The reshuffle did not include Ismail’s dismissal, though rumours circulated that he would be replaced. Despite his illness, some experts believed that Ismail’s dismissal would not be beneficial for the country’s current situation.
