Cairo – The Egyptian government will put into effect in September a new social package to alleviate the impact of the global crisis on the country’s citizens, primarily those with lower income. President Abdel Fattah El Sisi approved an EGP 11 billion (about USD 575 million at the current rate) grant.
President El Sisi suggested expanding social protection mechanisms in Egypt, including another million families to benefit from the Solidarity and Dignity Program, increasing the number to over 20 million citizens.
Over the next six months, exceptional aid will be granted to the nine million poorest families in the country, including those receiving pensions below EGP 2,500 (about USD 130.5) and public administrative staff with a salary of less than EGP 2,700 (about USD 140).
The Egyptian president ordered increased food security for low-income families, mothers, and children by expanding the supply of subsidized food baskets at half the cost, totaling two million units per month.
In announcing the measures, the prime minister, Mostafa Madbouly, explained how the plan would be implemented and the different government agencies and divisions to execute it. According to the official, the strategic reserve of basic foodstuffs is at an adequate level in the country and would be sufficient for six months, and wheat could last for up to seven months.
Egypt & the IMF
The prime minister also said Egypt’s negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are continuing, and the financial institution has not been forcing the country to take any measures that could concern Egyptian citizens. According to Madbouly, the fund welcomed the social protection package. The prime minister said no economic reform program could be successfully conducted without being accompanied by a social protection program.
Translated by Elúsio Brasileiro
