Egyptians protest against low wages and unemployment

Egyptian citizens, including some holding masters’ degrees and doctorates, took to the streets in two marches in the centre of Cairo on Thursday, protesting against low wages and unemployment, Jordan’s Al-Sabeel newspaper has reported.

Speaking in front of the headquarters of the ministerial council in Cairo, the protesters called for more employment opportunities, as well as improved wages. They burnt their education certificates to demonstrate their anger at the economic situation.

The other march gathered in front of the Journalists’ Syndicate, also in the centre of Cairo, and called for a minimum wage for teachers. They said that they should be paid at least 3,000 Egyptian pounds. The demonstrators also called for a 5 per cent increase in the education budget and for the education minister to be sacked.

Security forces deployed several units in both locations and set up steel barricades.

The two marches coincided with the announcement by 19 unions in Cairo and other Egyptian governorates of their plans to gather in a massive march this weekend in Al-Fustat Park in Cairo. They are demanding the repeal of civil service law number 18/2015.

This was approved in March by President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi. It covers the rights of civil servants in the state. The law was criticised widely for several reasons, including the exceptions and distinctions made for employees of certain ministries. However, an earlier statement for the ministry of planning and finance said that salaries of state employees will not be affected by this law.