Egypt Daily News – Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly delivered a rare and candid apology to the Egyptian public on Wednesday, expressing regret over a recent series of tragic accidents that have occurred across the country. The statement, made during his weekly press conference at the Cabinet headquarters in the New Administrative Capital, marked an unusual acknowledgment of fault from a senior official and underscored the government’s sensitivity to rising public concern over safety and infrastructure standards.
“We are deeply sorry for the unfortunate incidents that occurred in recent days in various governorates,” Madbouly said. “As a government, we do not deny or downplay what has happened. We recognize the issues and are committed to doing better.”
The Prime Minister’s apology follows a spate of accidents, including deadly traffic collisions, building collapses, and fires, some of which have gone viral on social media, sparking nationwide frustration and prompting calls for greater accountability and improved public services. While Madbouly did not specify which incidents he was referring to, the past weeks have seen several widely reported tragedies, particularly in rural areas and urban peripheries, where infrastructure and emergency response capacities are often strained.
A Call for Constructive Criticism
In his remarks, Madbouly also sought to frame the national conversation around such events, encouraging Egyptians to exercise their right to criticism, but with a mindful approach to how the country is perceived abroad.
“I’m not saying we should silence criticism, it’s a full right of the Egyptian citizen,” he emphasized. “But we must also ask ourselves: what image do we want to project to the world?”
He drew a comparison to unnamed countries where, he claimed, criticism of the government is strictly forbidden. “There are countries where it is not allowed to speak of any shortcomings,” he said. “And if someone does, they are held accountable.”
This comment appeared to walk a fine line reaffirming the state’s tolerance for public discourse while also signaling concern about what the government perceives as excessive negativity that could undermine Egypt’s international standing.
Balancing Progress With Public Sentiment
Madbouly also took the opportunity to highlight Egypt’s recent development achievements, pointing to praise from foreign visitors and dignitaries. “Everyone who comes to Egypt and sees what has changed here is impressed by the scale of progress and development,” he said. “They see a country that is transforming rapidly.”
Indeed, the Egyptian government has poured billions of pounds into infrastructure mega-projects in recent years including the New Administrative Capital, expanded road networks, and transportation modernization all part of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s long-term vision for national renewal.
However, critics argue that while Egypt has made progress in high-profile urban developments, there remains a significant gap in investment in local services, building safety, and enforcement of regulations in many areas. The recent accidents have reignited debates over the allocation of resources, oversight mechanisms, and the responsiveness of state institutions to citizens’ daily needs.
A Delicate Political Climate
Madbouly’s apology comes at a politically delicate time. Although Egypt has achieved a measure of macroeconomic stabilization and continues to attract foreign investment, it faces mounting pressure from inflation, youth unemployment, and public dissatisfaction with service delivery. While government officials often tout major achievements in tourism, energy, and digital transformation, such incidents highlight the tension between state-led narratives of progress and the lived experiences of many Egyptians.
The Prime Minister’s statement, an unusual gesture in a region where official apologies are rare, may be seen as an attempt to bridge that gap, signaling responsiveness while calling for national unity.
As Egypt continues its path toward economic recovery and political stability, the government’s ability to address these concerns transparently and effectively will likely remain central to its legitimacy, both at home and on the global stage.
