President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi gave a speech Sunday, during the 20th Educational Session held by the armed forces, in the presence of Minister of Defence and Military Production Colonel General Sedki Sobhi, , and the leaders of the armed forces.
Al-Sisi sent several messages through his speech to the Egyptian street with regards to his achievements during 17 months in office. He said he is in touch with the citizens’ suffering, saying he is working on ending this suffering, and admitting that the prices have skyrocketed in the last period. He promised that prices will significantly decline by the end of this month.
Al-Sisi began his speech with a minute of silence for the victims of the Russian aeroplane that crashed in Sinai on Saturday. He said he expressed his condolences to Russian President Vladimir Putin, and informed him that he approves the participation of the Russian authorities in the investigations into the causes of the incident.
He explained that he makes use of each opportunity he can to reach out to the people. He further condemned the media on more than one occasion during his speech; questioning what he referred to as the media battle over 25 January and 30 June and “which is a revolution and which is not”. He called on everybody to agree for the greater good of Egypt.
He said Egypt had a high rank in the field of security five years ago, and it retreated because of the events it witnessed. However, he said they are now working on restoring security.
In his speech, Al-Sisi said they are close to eliminating many obstacles that followed 30 June 2013, revealing that the army “secured the western border and Sinai and many other areas, before the 30 June revolution, to prevent the infiltration of subversive elements and weapons”. He further stated that those confrontations and moves to protect the border began 30 months ago.
He noted that the first phase of the “Retribution for the Martyr” operation concluded and achieved its goals, but that the operation is continuing, seeking the development of Sinai and the eradication of terrorism.
Al-Sisi promised Egyptian businessmen to provide energy to whoever needs it, explaining that until May 2017 hundreds of billions will be spent to provide electricity and energy to all factories and homes.
He noted that preparing the country for investments and attracting investors from all over the world requires much spending on services and energy, and paving a large road network.
He further said he is one of the people of this country, and by virtue of his post he must reveal the facts and tell the people the truth about what is happening in all areas without deception or falsification of the facts.
“We will not deceive the people or sell them illusions,” he said.
He added that work is underway to improve the railroad network, noting that this comes as part of his plans to improve the Egyptian investment climate.
He added that the state has a plan for the development of small and medium enterprises, and is working to encourage young people and help them, in addition to working on the speedy establishment of large development projects.
He criticised the high and exaggerated prices, saying that by the end of this month, and with the help of the government and the army, prices will return to their previous rates. He highlighted that helping the wide segment of low-income Egyptians is at the top of the government’s priorities, noting that Egypt is having difficulty in dealing with population growth, which needs to be between 7.5% and 8%.
Al-Sisi further criticised the Egyptian media, saying it crossed all the lines, and adding that the media sector criticises everybody, but “does the media sector not suffer from any crises?”
Regarding parliamentary elections, he said the Egyptian people voted in eight or nine elections and polls during the past period, and demanded that everyone have Egypt’s interest at heart.
He concluded his speech by saying that what has been undertaken in 17 months is a great achievement and that he does not intend to remain in power for long.
“No one wants to stay for 16-17 years. This is more than enough,” he said, adding that the Egyptian security forces protect Egypt, rather than a certain regime or figure.
