Rising anger in Egypt as food subsidies may be cut further

An Egyptian supplies ministry official recently revealed an alleged intention on the state’s part to cut down food subsidies, possibly depriving millions of Egyptians from benefiting from subsidised goods. This has stirred up fears among a wide segment of society, especially in view of the deteriorating economic situation in the country.

Ahmed Kamal, an aide to the minister of supplies and internal trade, said on Saturday, during an interview aired on a privately-owned satellite channel, that millions of Egyptians could find themselves no longer eligible to use the government-issued electronic cards because they “do not deserve” to receive food subsidies.

He added that according to the system that is currently in place, 70 million Egyptians are currently considered eligible to receive subsidized food supplies. Kamal said that any citizen whose monthly income exceeds 1,500 Egyptian pounds ($111), and any senior citizen whose monthly pension exceeds 1,200 Egyptian pounds (less than $100) will not be eligible for receiving a new food subsidy card, according to the would-be system.

Many considered the supplies ministry official’s remarks to be yet another crisis for which citizens will bear the brunt. They also believe the new policy, if adopted, would widen the gap between different socioeconomic classes and reinforce sentiments of envy among Egyptians.