The National Dialogue has kicked off after a long wait, as the economic crisis in the country is becoming a priority. The sessions witnessed the participation of representatives of the business community.
The National Dialogue’s Board of Trustees has devoted two sessions to discuss issues of social protection programmes with the current situation and new developments, which are on the agenda of the Social Justice Committee.
Ahmed Galal, rapporteur of the economic axis in the national dialogue, said that everyone aims for realistic results from the national dialogue to eventually benefit Egyptian citizens during the coming period. He stressed that the dialogue aims for real, tangible results.
He noted that social protection is a ‘limited’ concept, and that the goal is to help those less fortunate in life or in their society. Galal added that the idea of justice is based on the principle of equal opportunities, and that the Decent Life initiative belongs to the principle of equal opportunities.
Thuraya Abdel-Gawad, assistant rapporteur of the Social Justice Committee in the National Dialogue, explained that the issue of justice is a pivotal issue across the globe, which is why it is now part of the dialogue.
She pointed out that social protection measures are not justice. Justice is a more comprehensive concept. And social protection, despite what has been done so far and all the previous measures taken, is not sufficient.
She pointed out that the crisis of developing societies that are looking for a role and a place in this world is not limited to our society, but has a certain character. She also stressed that the issue of justice is not only important for Egyptian society, but for humanity.
In a related context, Abdel Hadi Al Qasabo, rapporteur of the Social Justice Committee in the National Dialogue and head of the Solidarity Committee in the House of Representatives, said that despite the multiplicity of affiliations and different ideas, it is necessary to agree on the interest of the country and the people. “No country has no challenges, so we have to come up with proposals to serve as applicable legislation, resolutions or programmes,” he added.
He explained that the topics presented are social protection programs, the current situation, new developments, labor policies, tax policies, social housing policies, and the development of slums.
For her part, MP Hind Hazem and representative of the Nation’s Future Party, said that Egypt raised the budget for support and social protection several times, the latest of which was the new budget presented to the House of Representatives by 48.8%, as it was in the previous budget EGP 358.4bn and became EGP 529.7bn.
Hazem emphasized that the measures aim to alleviate the suffering of citizens in light of the global inflation waves, explaining that justice is achieved by increasing economic growth rates while preserving consumption patterns and determining priorities and available capabilities.
Mohamed Moharram, a member of the Coordination of Parties and Politicians Youth, said that despite the existence of some permanent programs for social protection such as solidarity, dignity and others, these repercussions still show their negative effects on Egyptian citizens and families increasingly.
He said that in light of the highly complex economic conditions at all levels and the consequent negative effects on the various economies of the world, whether developed or emerging, and the consequent steady increase in the number of citizens affected in general by these repercussions, and the most vulnerable groups in particular, and the exceptional measures that followed to reduce the impact of these conditions. He adds, “We see that the social protection system in Egypt is based on a set of initiatives. The system also needs further expansion in light of the economic challenges burdening citizens”.
