Exclusive – Horrya Press:
In recent months, the Egyptian government has made significant changes to its subsidy system, aimed at refining the ration card program. With 60 million citizens currently holding ration cards, the new policies have sparked widespread debate and concern. As the nation grapples with soaring inflation and economic difficulties, the impact of these adjustments could be far-reaching, affecting the lives of millions who depend on this support for their daily survival.
While the Egyptian people are barely hanging on due to rising inflation and a struggling economy, the government’s new policies are only adding to their burdens. Dr. Samir Sabry, the rapporteur of the Local and Foreign Investment Committee stated in a live interview on ETC TV Channels, that 60 million citizens hold ration cards. He also revealed that many of these individuals do not genuinely need the support they receive through the cards.
The government recently introduced new criteria to determine citizens’ eligibility for subsidy support, including:
1. Fixed income source: Including salary and health insurance.
(Anyone earning 9,600 EGP or more will no longer qualify for a ration card.)
2. Electricity consumption: The higher the electricity usage, the less likely the family is to qualify for support.
3. Car ownership: Eligibility depends on the type, value, and age of the car.
4. Family size.
5. Number of air conditioners in the household.
6. Number of mobile phones and internet usage.
(These ideas are still under study and are not yet final decisions.)
However, these changes have sparked widespread discontent among the Egyptian people, many of whom already struggle to make ends meet. Citizens fear that the new criteria will exclude many families who still desperately need government support. Further tightening of the ration card system could exacerbate the financial hardships faced by millions, leading to more suffering and growing dissatisfaction. As the cost of living continues to rise, these adjustments may deepen the economic divide, leaving the most vulnerable at greater risk.
As the Egyptian government presses forward with its changes to the ration card system, it is clear that the burden on ordinary citizens will only increase. These new criteria are not expected to alleviate the hardships faced by millions; instead, they are likely to deepen the financial struggles of families already struggling to survive amid rising costs. Rather than offering relief, these measures are set to push more Egyptians into poverty, leaving little hope for any meaningful improvement in their daily lives.
