What we’re tracking on 22 October 2017
PM to discuss reasons for extending state of emergency in House address: Prime Minister Sherif Ismail is expected to address the House of Representatives today to explain why it was necessary earlier this month to extend the state of emergency for another 90 days, Ahram Online reports. Ismail’s address follows a terror attack this weekend that claimed the lives of at least 16 members of the police force. The prime minister’s remarks were scheduled prior to the attack.
Also today, the House Legislative Committee is expected to discuss proposed changes to the penal code that would fast-track terror-related cases. The amendments were first floated in August.
A delegation from ratings agency Standard & Poor’s is in town for what we hope is a review of Egypt’s economy ahead of a ratings change. The delegation met with Trade and Industry Minister Tarek Kabil on Saturday to discuss developments in Egypt’s manufacturing sector and trade metrics, according to an official statement. Kabil told the delegation, which had reportedly met with manufacturing companies last week, that a map of industrial projects would be issued “within days.”
Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry meets with Italian Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs Vincenzo Amendola today, according to Youm7. Amendola is leading a delegation to take part in joint political dialogue between the two countries.