Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly announced on Wednesday that the government has begun preparations for a national conference in October to transparently address public questions, explain recent achievements, and detail the country’s current challenges.
Speaking during the weekly cabinet meeting in the New Administrative Capital, Madbouly stated that the conference, called by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, aims to outline the state’s future vision and involve citizens in the steps being taken for the country.
The announcement follows an August directive from Sisi, who requested the government, intellectuals, and university professors to thoroughly present implemented projects and national challenges over a one-week to 10-day event.
“We are trying to be honest in what we present because this is the people’s right upon us, and as the Holy Prophet said: ‘A man continues to speak the truth and pursues the truth until he is recorded with God as a truthful person,'” Sisi previously stated. The president added that he does not worry about external challenges as long as the Egyptian public has awareness and understanding of matters plotted against the state.
Addressing religious understanding, Sisi stated: “I tell people that the behaviour of Muslims may not necessarily reflect true Islam, and that the true understanding of religion is the expression of religion, and there are people who offend themselves and religion.”
He also directed criticism at opposing coverage, adding: “I point out that those who address Egyptian affairs in hostile media are not truthful, and that whoever speaks untruthfully or promotes rumours with the aim of ruining the nation will be held accountable before God, and that no religion is established on ruin, corruption, destruction, and killing.”
On economic matters, Sisi noted he had asked the government months ago to present the volume of the state’s internal and external debt, comparing it to the volume of subsidies provided over the past 50 years. Acknowledging public inquiries about whether the country is on the right track, the president said: “Here I say that we made the effort, and what we succeeded in is a blessing from God, and what we did not succeed in, I ask God to mend our shortcomings.”
Sisi also highlighted a state of chaos on social media and in certain media outlets regarding the understanding of challenges Egypt has faced over the past 50 years. He stressed the importance of the public being prepared to bear the consequences of reform and change.
