Many Egyptians are suffering from the country’s severe economic crisis and high inflation. President al-Sisi is under pressure, but he is considered certain of a third term in office in the recent election.
Ramadan Moh Nouah ordered a typical Egyptian refried beans for breakfast in a restaurant on the outskirts of Cairo and ate a small salad with it. He doesn’t have to pay for the food here. The 75-year-old couldn’t do that at all. In order to earn at least a few Egyptian pounds, he sells handkerchiefs on the street: “I receive a small pension. But it’s not even enough to cover my electricity bill,” he says. He lives in a room with his wife. “Good-natured people give me small donations. Apart from God’s blessing, I have nothing.”
Moh Nouah lives from hand to mouth. Many people in the district, which is one of the wealthier, are so poor that they cannot even afford the cheap Egyptian breakfast. That’s why restaurant owner Mohammed Radwan, whose real name is different, gives out free meals: “We have to help those in need. If someone comes and says: I need something to eat, you can’t say ‘no’,” he says.
Egypt’s economy is in a serious crisis. Last year alone, the Egyptian pound lost around half of its value. But salaries were not increased. Everyone in the country is feeling the economic pressure – including restaurant owner Radwan. Every day the prices of the ingredients rose. “But I can’t take more money every day for a sandwich. That means my profit decreases within a short period of time.”
He’s trying to keep customers this way. “Nowadays, hardly anyone cares about profits anymore. That means that if a large restaurant manages to cover the costs of labor and raw materials, it considers itself a hero.”
35 million Egyptians only have two dollars a day
Radwan’s restaurant is popular. not just those who eat here for free. Helping them is a duty for the restaurant manager: “Our religion tells us to donate and give alms.” A Muslim must help those in need, regardless of whether they are Muslim themselves or not. “This is not a financial loss, because one’s livelihood depends on God,” explains the entrepreneur.
That’s how many Egyptians see it. They trust in God because they have little choice. According to official figures, a third of the population lives below the poverty line. That means: More than 35 million people have to get by on around two dollars a day – or even less. They receive almost nothing from the Egyptian state. Because he’s almost bankrupt.
Prestige projects instead of Problem solutions
In recent years, a lot of money has been invested in President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi’s prestige projects instead of solving the country’s structural problems. An example of this is the new administrative capital, says Timothy Kaldas, deputy director of the Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy: “The new administrative capital is a huge waste of money – especially in view of the financial crisis in the country.” Tens of billions of dollars would be spent on this.
Construction companies, many of which belong to the military, are building university buildings and ministries, high-rise buildings and spacious villas. If the president’s plans go his way, millions of people will find a home here. But most of the houses and apartments are empty.
Al-Sisi as a guarantor of security
A fraction of the Egyptian population can actually afford a new apartment. Most Egyptians live in places where there are hardly any paved roads and certainly no lighting. That’s not a problem for 29-year-old Nadia. She values one thing above all else – security. “It makes me feel good. Here in Egypt there is an army that defends us when the country is in danger,” she says.
It is clear to her and her husband: Despite the economic problems in the country, the lack of health care and the inadequate education for their children, they will vote for al-Sisi in the presidential election. He never misses an opportunity to present himself as a guarantor of security and stability in his own country and in the Middle East – even in front of glittering facades.
Anne Allmeling, ARD Cairo, tagesschau, December 8th, 2023 5:52 p.m