Egyptian politicians present their visions on National Dialogue to be launched on May 3

CAIRO – 30 April 2023: Ahead of the opening session of the National Dialogue scheduled for May 3, Egyptian politicians spoke to media presenting their priorities and ambitions with regard to the talks.

Deputy Chair of Mostaqbal Watan Party and Senate Member Hossam al-Khouly said that participants in the dialogue must be prepared by having executive plans and practical suggestions to resolve problems and mitigate the impact of the global crisis.

Member of the Economic Committee at the Tagamoa Party Sherif Fayad addressed the issue of price hikes of goods, recommending to set a maximum margin of profit for merchants, cutting it down from 60-70 percent to 20-25 percent, and combating monopoly.

Coordinator of the Investment Priorities Committee Ayman Mahasab underscored the salience of promoting public-private partnerships as a means to raise the levels of economic growth, and fulfill local needs. Yet, he stressed that the government should still play a significant role in strategic sectors that have direct impact on the people's livelihoods.

Deputy Coordinator of the Public Debt Committee Heba Wasel shed light on the deficit and debt problems, suggesting to include state-owned investment funds and social insurance funds owned by public institutions to the budget in order to evaluate the financial status of Egypt as a first step.

Parliamentarian and Member of the Board of the National Dialogue Amira Saber highlighted the powerful impact of the talks, pointing out to the president's approval to extend the judicial supervision on elections. That is despite the fact that the constitution provides that it lasts between 2014 and 2024. Nevertheless, Saber noted that the decision ensures better integrity, and more reassurance among voters.

Member of the Board of the National Dialogue Talaat Abdel Qawy underscored that the principle of social justice is at the center of the sessions. He underlined existing programs and initiatives such as Takaful w Karama monetary subsidies and 'Decent Life' targeted at countryside dwellers composing half the population.

Abdel Qawy added that the board had already received 196,000 suggestions pertaining to social justice, and that can be summed up to 19 main issues and 113 sub-issues under three categories that are political, economic, and social. Examples of issues in the social category include education, healthcare, overpopulation, identity and culture.