PM Madbouly Defends Development Achievements, Cites Millions Benefiting from Key Initiatives

CAIRO, Oct 24 (MENA) – Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly addressed claims that citizens are not experiencing the benefits of development during the closing ceremony of the Egypt 2026 Forum, held today under the patronage of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. He asserted that the historical presentation shared at the event was sufficient to counter such perceptions.

Madbouly emphasized that the presidential initiative Hayah Karima has targeted 61 million citizens, with its first phase concluding and benefiting 18 million, including 11 million in Upper Egypt, questioning if these individuals have not felt the fruits of development.

He further highlighted the state's success in eliminating unsafe areas by constructing housing units for approximately 1.5 million citizens, posing the same question about their experience of development's benefits. Madbouly stressed that without state intervention, these citizens would have faced dire fates similar to those who perished in disasters.

The Prime Minister stated that development has enabled the state to invest billions of pounds in its people, with the primary return being their protection and the securing of a better future.

Regarding healthcare, Madbouly noted that 5.5 million citizens are enrolled in the comprehensive health insurance system in governorates like Port Said, Luxor, and Ismailia. Additionally, 63 million citizens received screenings and treatment for Hepatitis C, a crucial intervention that has given many a new lease on life.

He also pointed to the completion of 3.3 million operations to clear waiting lists, the benefit to two million families from Sakan Kol Al-Masryeen projects and the development of governorate capitals, and the improvement of living conditions for eight million residents in areas developed by the state.

In terms of economic opportunities, Madbouly mentioned that the Suez Canal Economic Zone has attracted investments creating 164,000 jobs, and industrial complexes have generated 50,000 more. He questioned whether these young people and others have not benefited from development.

Furthermore, 16.2 million families have benefited from natural gas connections, and 8.3 million families have received support through programs for those most in need, including a cash support program benefiting 4.7 million families, with 2.2 million having exited the program due to improved conditions.

Madbouly also touched upon educational improvements, noting the reduction in classroom density to an average of 45 students from 100 before 2014, and the positive impact of the 150,000 teachers initiative.

He concluded by highlighting infrastructure advancements, stating that village sewage coverage has increased from 10-12 percent to approximately 60 percent. He also contrasted older, dilapidated trains with the current fleet of air-conditioned trains, high-speed electric trains, light rail transit, and monorail systems, asserting that these developments have indeed been felt by citizens.