Egypt’s former prime minister Kamal El-Ganzouri passed away in Cairo, on Wednesday morning, after a long battle with illness in hospital, his family have said. He was 88.
President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi mourned El-Ganzouri’s death in a short statement, saying the late premier was a noble man who was dedicated his life to supporting the nation in critical times.
The Cabinet also expressed the country’s appreciation for the late politician’s patriotic role in serving the government for many years, including two premierships, describing him as a role model.
The Cabinet said that El-Ganzouri was a symbol of giving, and presented his vast experiences, especially in economics, for the benefit of his country.
El-Ganzouri assumed leadership of the Egyptian Government twice; the first time in 1996 in a three year term, whilst his second time in the role was in December 2011 and lasted until June 2012.
He also held the position of Minister of Planning and International Cooperation for 10 years, from 1986 to 1996, and was the governor of Beni Suef and New Valley.
El-Ganzouri was also the creator of the “20-Year Plan”, implemented between 1983 and 2003, which paved the way for saving Egypt’s economy. Following this, his economic plans took care of the low-income and middle classes, and the stability of commodity and currency prices.
Serving as a Robin Hood-type figure, he was variously called “the minister of the poor” and “the opposition minister” when he formed his first cabinet, nicknames that were driven by his focus on caring for low-income Egyptians.
