Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
The Egyptian government has announced a new set of measures aimed at expanding social protection and providing targeted support to middle-income families, as part of a broader strategy to enhance social justice and mitigate the impact of rising living costs.
Officials say the move reflects the state’s commitment to achieving a balanced approach between economic reform and social protection, through stronger coordination among ministries and concerned authorities, and by improving the efficiency of public spending. The goal, according to government sources, is to ensure that resources are directed in the most effective manner while taking into account both economic and social dimensions.
At the heart of this approach is the continued development of Egypt’s social protection system. Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly stressed that the government is placing significant emphasis on expanding the range and quality of services provided to beneficiaries, while continuing efforts to reform and fine-tune the subsidy system to ensure that support reaches those who truly deserve it.
Madbouly reaffirmed that low-income groups remain the top priority for the state, noting that the government has already implemented an integrated package of protection programs designed to guarantee a decent standard of living for the most vulnerable segments of society. These efforts, he said, are closely aligned with the objectives of the national “Haya Karima” (Decent Life) initiative, which aims to improve living conditions and access to basic services, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
At the same time, the government is turning increased attention to middle-income households, a segment that has come under growing pressure due to successive economic shocks in recent years, including global inflation, supply chain disruptions, and currency fluctuations. During a ministerial meeting held on Sunday, officials emphasized the importance of designing tailored support programs for this group, in recognition of their role as a key pillar of economic and social stability.
According to participants in the meeting, the proposed measures are intended to help middle-income families cope with higher costs of living, maintain their purchasing power, and avoid slipping into financial vulnerability. While specific details of the programs are expected to be announced in stages, they are likely to include a mix of targeted subsidies, service-based support, and policy interventions aimed at easing pressure on essential expenses such as housing, transportation, education, and healthcare.
The government’s renewed focus on both low- and middle-income groups comes as part of a wider effort to strengthen social cohesion during a period of economic adjustment. Officials argue that protecting these segments is not only a social imperative but also a prerequisite for sustainable development, as it helps preserve social stability and supports domestic demand.
As Egypt continues to navigate a challenging economic landscape, the expansion of social protection and support programs is being presented as a cornerstone of the state’s long-term strategy to balance reform with fairness, ensuring that the burden of change does not fall disproportionately on those least able to bear it.
