A busy night on the local airwaves was dominated by the inauguration of the long-awaited light rail: President Abdel Fattah El Sisi yesterday inaugurated the Adly Mansour transit station and the first phase of the light rail transit system (LRT) that will eventually connect Cairo, the new administrative capital and Tenth of Ramadan City. The news was all over the airwaves, with coverage from El Hekaya (watch, runtime: 1:19), Kelma Akhira (watch, runtime: 00:59), Al Hayah Al Youm (watch, runtime: 5:29) and Masaa DMC, who had on engineering professor Hassan Mahdy (watch, runtime: 26:28).

Finance Minister Mohamed Maait was in the hot seat on El Hekaya last night to discuss the government’s response to the economic crisis caused by the war in Ukraine (watch, runtime: 33:04). The minister reiterated his recent comments that the government is working to decrease its reliance on destabilizing hot money flows in favor of more sustainable foreign direct investment, and talked about the debilitating effects the war is having on the public purse, highlighting the huge increases to the nation’s wheat and oil import bill caused by soaring commodity prices.

Despite this, the government is committed to continue cutting the budget deficit this fiscal year, he said, reviewing its recent track record of stabilizing public finances and reducing the debt-to-GDP ratio. Admitting that the current circumstances are imposing stresses across society, the minister sought to reassure the public that the government will continue to provide support and meet the needs of the country.

Transport Minister Kamel El Wazir addressed several recent criticisms during an appearance on Ala Mas’ouleety (watch, runtime: 15:17 | 5:06):

• The North Coast road: The minister finally responded to criticisms of the newly-renovated North Coast road, telling viewers that they should wait until it’s finished before criticizing it. Since it opened, people have complained on social media that the road is dangerous, criticizing its design, a lack of signs and poor lighting.
• Demolition of the Nile houseboats: El Wazir defended the decision to get rid of the Nile’s houseboats following backlash in parliament and among the public.

Also on the airwaves last night: Egypt has so far secured 43 medals in this year’s Mediterranean Games, the head of Egypt's delegation, Abdel Aziz Ghoneim, told Kelma Akhira (watch, runtime: 5:11).