Egypt's National Dialogue Opens Debate on Subsidies

CAIRO – 26 September 2024: The National Dialogue Board of Trustees has announced beginning preparations to discuss the issue of subsidies, referred to the dialogue by the government.

The Board will hold a meeting on Monday, September 30, in the presence of the General Rapporteur and Assistant General Rapporteur of the Economic Axis to ensure that the issue is covered from all perspectives. This wide-ranging dialogue aims to include the participation of all stakeholders, including experts, specialists, political entities, and executive and community institutions.

The Board of Trustees clarified that it has committed from the start to approaching the topic of subsidies impartially, without favoring either in-kind or cash subsidy systems. The goal is to provide a neutral platform for dialogue, allowing all viewpoints and suggestions to be heard. The recommendations, representing diverse schools of thought and approaches in Egypt, will be submitted to the President of the Republic.

In the upcoming meeting, the Board will review the structure of general and specialized sessions, which will involve experts, all political forces, ministries, and related institutions. The Board is confident that these groups will prioritize the public interest for the benefit of the Egyptian people, whose rights are at the core of this issue.

The National Dialogue Secretariat also announced that it has begun accepting written suggestions and proposals from organizations or individuals wishing to participate, using the provided communication channels (email/WhatsApp). Submissions will be accepted over the next two weeks, starting today and until October 10. The Board of Trustees will then incorporate these submissions into the session agenda, with discussions set to begin as soon as possible in the upcoming period.