Egypt’s New Government Seeks Parliament Confidence with Four-Pillar Plan

The Egyptian Prime Minister delivers the government statement before the Parliament in the new administrative capital (Cabinet)
The Egyptian Prime Minister delivers the government statement before the Parliament in the new administrative capital (Cabinet)
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Egypt’s New Government Seeks Parliament Confidence with Four-Pillar Plan

The Egyptian Prime Minister delivers the government statement before the Parliament in the new administrative capital (Cabinet)
The Egyptian Prime Minister delivers the government statement before the Parliament in the new administrative capital (Cabinet)

Egypt’s new government introduced its three-year plan titled “Together We Build a Sustainable Future” before parliament on Monday, aiming to secure legislative confidence.

Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouly committed to resolving the country’s electricity crisis and safeguarding Egypt’s Nile water share.

Following a month of consultations, President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s administration completed its ministerial formation, merging ministries, appointing new officials, and restructuring key portfolios in Defense, Foreign Affairs, and Justice.

Madbouly presented the government’s agenda for 2024/2025 amd 2026/2027, focusing on four priorities: ensuring national security, advancing foreign policy, enhancing human development, and fostering a competitive economy to attract investments. The plan also emphasizes achieving political stability and national unity.

The prime minister underscored Egypt’s comprehensive approach to national security, including border stability, military capabilities, and securing critical assets like the Red Sea and Suez Canal.

Egypt also aims to strengthen its international and regional influence while protecting essential areas like water and energy security.

Madbouly reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to preserving its Nile water rights through enhanced cooperation with Nile Basin and African nations.

The premier addressed long standing challenges, including a decade-long water conflict with Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Cairo fears the dam could diminish its share of the Nile’s waters.

Madbouly emphasized the government’s focus on addressing citizens’ concerns and improving local governance to foster positive community engagement.

Regarding the electricity crisis, Madbouly pledged firm action to resolve it within the first half of his administration's program. He noted efforts to stabilize markets and reduce inflation in recent months.

Egypt faces electricity shortages, leading to scheduled power cuts lasting up to three hours, alongside successive waves of price hikes and currency depreciation.



Hamas Leader in West Bank Dies in Israeli Custody

Demonstrators clash with Palestinian security forces in Nablus in the West Bank (File photo/Reuters)
Demonstrators clash with Palestinian security forces in Nablus in the West Bank (File photo/Reuters)
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Hamas Leader in West Bank Dies in Israeli Custody

Demonstrators clash with Palestinian security forces in Nablus in the West Bank (File photo/Reuters)
Demonstrators clash with Palestinian security forces in Nablus in the West Bank (File photo/Reuters)

A Hamas leader in the West Bank died in Israeli custody, Palestinian authorities and the militant group said Friday.

Mustafa Muhammad Abu Ara, 63, died after being moved from a prison in southern Israel to a hospital, according to a joint statement by the Palestinian Authority's prisoners affairs body and the Palestinian Prisoners' Club watchdog, AFP reported.

"We mourn the passing of the leader and prisoner Sheikh Mustafa Muhammad Abu Ara and hold the occupation responsible for his assassination through deliberate medical neglect," Hamas said in a statement.

Abu Ara was arrested in October while suffering severe health problems, the Palestinian body and the watchdog said.

During his detainment he was subjected to torture and starvation, they added.

Palestinian authorities accused Israel this month of waging an abusive "war of revenge" against Palestinian detainees since the start of the Israel-Hamas war.

At the time, the Israeli military said it "rejects outright allegations concerning systematic abuse of detainees", adding that it acts within international law.