Parliament gives thumbs up to gov’t policy program
The House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly in favor on Wednesday of backing Prime Minister Sherif Ismail’s policy agenda, Ahram Online reports, clearing the way for the receipt of some USD 1 bn in World Bank budget support. Some 433 MPs voted in favour while 38 voted against and five abstained, MP Haitham El-Hariri said on his official twitter account. But Egypt is still in “state of danger,” Ismail said in a 10-minute speech ahead of the vote, and “citizens should join forces to stand up to the challenges.” He also said that his government intends to reform the country’s subsidy policy to make sure “subsidies go to those who deserve them only.” As for the 27 March report prepared by a special committee on his government’s policy statement Ismail said the cabinet would take the recommendations listed as “obligations.” And while the government aims to achieve an annual economic growth rate of 5.2%, it will not let the poor suffer. “We will present our strategy for sustainable development in Egypt until the year 2030 to be discussed and ratified by parliament.” He also said laws stipulated by the constitution regulating media and the press and the formation of the national election commission will be submitted to parliament soon, he added.Allcabinet ministers are set to present their plans of action to parliament, he said, adding that "a periodical report will be submitted to parliament every six months to show the progress of implementation of all national projects." You can read our detailed coverage of the government plan here.