President Abdel Fattah El Sisi promised further personal tax exemptions and larger food subsidies to protect the low- and mid-income classes when he spoke to the editors in-chief of state-owned newspapers in his second interview with them this year. The government has plans to battle inflation and expand the social safety net to protect people from the effects of his administration’s economic reforms.

El Sisi gave props to Prime Minister Sherif Ismail for how the PM has steered the ship despite challenges and setbacks. El Sisi also said he was in constant contact with the government to ensure that things are moving according to plan. The president acknowledged that there are shortcomings, but said that they were all being systematically addressed one at a time. He also promised to submit a comprehensive statement out account early next year to compare Egypt now to when he first assumed office and assess how much had been achieved.

Before his time in office is up, El Sisi hopes to have completed most, if not all, the national projects that he promised people.

Other key takeaways from El Sisi’s interview:

• Egypt will save USD 3.6 bn a year once new gas fields come on stream next year, including Zohr, Atoll, and the East and West Delta concessions;
• The emergency law will remain in place and be enforced strictly and without compromise against anyone who threatens national security and stability;
• Ministries and other government offices will move to the New Administrative Capital by the end of 2018.