Last Night’s Talk Shows on 9 December 2020
President Abdel Fattah El Sisi’s last day in Paris headlined last night’s talk shows.
Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry discussed the president’s visit with Kelma Akhira’s Lamees El Hadidi, touching on the meetings El Sisi held with various officials and the topics that came up. French President Emmanuel Macron and El Sisi broached the topics of human rights concerns and the Charlie Hebdo cartoons, with both topics taking “the attention they deserve” from the two leaders, Shoukry said (watch, runtime: 39:23). See also coverage on Al Hayah Al Youm (watch, runtime: 10:46) and Yahduth fi Misr (watch, runtime: 5:14).
Education Minister Tarek Shawki blanketed the airwaves yesterday to talk about the changes coming to Thanaweya Amma exams as of the 2021-2022 academic year, after the Madbouly Cabinet approved amendments to the 1981 Education Act (which we recap in Cabinet Watch, above). Shawki quelled parents' concerns that the new system will be more difficult for students, explaining that it will actually give them a chance to put their best foot forward. The minister phoned into several shows, including Ala Mas’ouleety (watch, runtime: 20:45) and Masaa DMC (watch, runtime: 10:03).
Also on the airwaves last night:
- The last day of runoff elections for the House of Representatives in and 11 other governorates passed smoothly. (Mohamed Sherdy on Al Hayah Al Youm | watch, runtime: 12:32).
- The National Council for Women has launched a new campaign against gender-based violence. (Sherif Amer on Yahduth fi Misr | watch, runtime: 4:08)