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Sunday, 20 August 2017

Debate over presidential term amendments, corruption charges against former tax and customs bosses, and striking workers in Mahalla.

The notion of extending presidential terms to six years from four was the topic of the night on Mehwar TV’s 90 Minutes — and the highlight of an otherwise exceptionally bland evening on the airwaves. Host Moataz El Demerdash had point-counterpoint with two members of the House of Representatives on the idea (watch, runtime 33:29). Their appearance came as others in the political arena are reportedly circulating a petition against the extension of presidential terms, Al Masry Al Youm reports.

The purge of welfare rolls is over: Supply Ministry spokesperson Mamdouh Ramadan told Hona El Asema substitute host Lama Gebril that the ministry has updated ration card data for 30 mn beneficiaries. He also explained that the new system will allow holders to easily replace lost cards and use their cards across governorates without restriction (watch, runtime 7:21). Ramadan’s appearance was part of a media blitz now that the welfare rolls have been purged of cheats. Al Masry Al Youm has additional covered here and here.)

Also last night, El Demerdash looked into allegations that the former heads of the Tax and Customs authorities misused up to EGP 32mn in public funds. Administrative Prosecution Authority spokesperson Mohamed Samir said the two former officials had given themselves perks and allowances between 2008-13 without Finance Ministry approval (watch, runtime 4:35). Opposition outlet Al Wafd has more on the charges against former customs chief Ahmed Farag Saudi and ex-Tax Authority chief Ahmed Refaat Abdel Ghaffar.

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