Egypt to expand National Dialogue under president’s directive amid broad challenges

CAIRO – 2 February 2025: President Abdel Fattah Sisi has directed an expansion of the National Dialogue to encompass a broader range of issues and challenges, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly stated.

The premier met on Sunday with Minister of Parliamentary and Legal Affairs and Political Communication Mahmoud Fawzy and Diaa Rashwan, head of the State Information Service (SIS) and General Coordinator of the National Dialogue.

Madbouly emphasized the need for discussions on various political matters, as well as internal and external challenges facing the nation. He highlighted the importance of consulting and listening to diverse opinions to address these issues effectively.

The prime minister also noted that both domestic and international economic challenges necessitate a wider scope for the national dialogue, alongside various social issues that require attention.

Rashwan stated that the National Dialogue’s Board of Trustees has dedicated the last two sessions to discussing national security issues in light of recent developments.

Several measures and steps regarding key political challenges were proposed, particularly concerning the Gaza situation and the rejection of the displacement of Palestinians from their territories, Rashwan added.

 

Amid rapid political developments that relate to Egypt’s national security, Fawzy emphasized the importance of increasing awareness.

He stressed the necessity of developing scenarios to address various events and threats, which the national dialogue will seek to engage with through insights and ideas.

This year will witness significant political milestones, Rashwan said, noting that the national dialogue has submitted several recommendations to the government, including urgent resolutions related to important legislative amendments.

These adjustments cover the laws regarding political rights, the civil society, academic freedoms, and cooperatives, as well as a proposed law for the commission for combating discrimination.

He confirmed that the government has responded to many previous recommendations, but these key points remain pending.

Madbouly said that an expanded meeting will soon be held with members of the National Dialogue’s board to discuss various issues and files.

The National Dialogue was initiated by President Sisi in April 2022 to engage various sectors of society, including politicians, parliament members, and political forces, in discussions on key national issues.

Speaking at the annual Egyptian Family Iftar at the time, Sisi also reactivated the Presidential Pardon Committee.

Since the launch of the dialogue and under its umbrella, the Egyptian prosecution has released hundreds of pretrial detainees, and many others have received presidential pardons.