Egypt is coordinating to expedite the issuance of a freedom of information law and establish sustainable, off-budget funding for public service media, following presidential directives to open objective media dialogue that includes opposing views.
Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly met with Minister of State for Information Diaa Rashwan on Sunday to outline mechanisms for implementing instructions issued by President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi. Rashwan confirmed that coordination is underway with relevant ministries and authorities to quickly issue the freedom of information law, noting the government’s commitment to the legislation.
During the meeting, Rashwan presented proposals to provide sustainable funding for public service media outside the state budget. He also reviewed suggested facilitations from public and private media institutions to ease their operations, noting the government has responded to several of these demands.
The minister stated that the performance of media offices across various ministries is currently being evaluated to improve their role in informing the public and ensuring communication with the media. Madbouly directed Rashwan to present his vision for the media sector and the evaluation of the media offices to the cabinet, including a specific action plan for the coming period.
Madbouly emphasised the government’s commitment to continuously informing the public with facts to counter rumours, highlighting the weekly cabinet press conference and continuous instructions for ministers to communicate with the media to explain decisions and answer questions.
The meeting follows a speech by Al-Sisi on Saturday at the opening of the State Strategic Command Centre, known as the Octagon. The president directed the government to open the floor for objective media dialogue that encompasses “opinion and the other opinion” to enrich discussion and build awareness within a framework of respect and understanding.
Al-Sisi instructed the Minister of State for Information to coordinate with relevant media bodies to hold an annual conference, tentatively scheduled for December 3, under presidential auspices to review the status of Egyptian media, discuss challenges and opportunities, and issue practical recommendations for continuous development.
In his Saturday address, Al-Sisi also mandated the government to revitalise partisan life, prepare political and youth cadres, and finalise preparations for local council elections to consolidate popular participation in local administration. Furthermore, he directed the Future of Egypt Agency for Sustainable Development, in coordination with the ministries of agriculture and supply, to prepare a national programme to reduce living burdens. The programme will expand permanent markets and outlets and regulate supply chains to stabilise basic commodity prices.
Acknowledging economic pressures, Al-Sisi said: “The people of Egypt know with certainty the burdens borne by the Egyptian citizen. I realise that improving their standard of living and alleviating their suffering remains at the forefront of the state’s priorities, and it is the primary concern in every decision.”
He added that the country had faced exceptional challenges in recent years and that entering a new phase requires continuing the path of construction and reform with responsibility and wisdom. The president also stressed the importance of officials opening direct communication channels with citizens, listening to their opinions, and providing them with real information based on accurate data.
