In recent years, the perception of Abdul Fattah al-Sisi, Egypt’s strongman leader, has drastically changed. Once hailed as a savior by many Egyptians, Sisi is now facing growing discontent as he seeks a third term as president. The top concern on people’s minds is the country’s crumbling economy, which has left many struggling to make ends meet.
Nadia, a 57-year-old widow and mother of six, exemplifies the daily struggles faced by ordinary Egyptians. As the government implements what it calls “economic reforms,” Nadia’s income has dropped significantly. The inflation rate in Egypt hit a staggering 38.5% in October, making basic commodities increasingly unaffordable for many households. Nadia recounts how the price of cooking a meal has multiplied several times over the past few years, highlighting the dire economic situation faced by families like hers.
The depreciation of the Egyptian pound against the US dollar has further exacerbated the problem. With the economy heavily dependent on imports, the prices of essential goods have skyrocketed, pushing many households into financial hardship. Nadia expresses her sense of hopelessness and invisibility, as the government’s reforms seem to overlook the plight of the poor.
Critics argue that Sisi’s focus on grand infrastructure projects, while neglecting the needs of ordinary citizens, has contributed to the country’s economic downfall. Massive sums of money have been funneled into these projects, leading to unprecedented levels of debt. Supporters, on the other hand, believe that urban expansion and the construction of a new capital will attract foreign investment and ultimately lead to a more prosperous future.
Economist Walid Gaballah acknowledges the impact of global forces on the economic meltdown but also attributes part of the blame to the government’s financial mismanagement. While the government highlights its investment in social welfare programs, the reality on the ground suggests that living conditions are deteriorating. Nearly 30% of Egypt’s population lives below the poverty line, and the government has borrowed billions of dollars from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to support its budget.
Despite widespread discontent, the upcoming election is widely seen as a one-horse race, with Sisi expected to secure another term in office. Opposition groups complain about the constant crackdown on dissent, which hampers their ability to operate effectively. Even potential frontrunners like Ahmed Tantawy have been discouraged from running through arrests and intimidation tactics. Human rights campaigners also face increasing security restrictions, making it difficult to document alleged abuses.
Mina Thabet, a human rights activist in self-imposed exile, describes the election as an extension of Sisi’s heavy-handed policies, which suppress opposition voices. In an environment where human rights defenders have their assets frozen and face travel bans, there is little room for expressing dissent without fear of prosecution or persecution. Thabet emphasizes the importance of feeling safe to work and express one’s views without government retaliation before considering a return to Egypt.
The authorities have dismissed criticism of their human rights record as politicized. While they have granted presidential pardons to some political detainees, thousands of others remain imprisoned, according to local and international human rights groups. Banners bearing Sisi’s photos adorn every street corner in Cairo as his campaign aims to convince voters of a brighter future. However, many Egyptians question whether his re-election would bring about any meaningful change.
As Egypt prepares for the upcoming election, the discontent brewing among the population is palpable. The economic hardships faced by ordinary citizens, combined with the crackdown on dissent and human rights abuses, paint a stark picture of the challenges ahead. Whether this growing discontent will translate into meaningful change remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the voices of the Egyptian people are demanding to be heard.
