Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi has reappointed Mostafa Madbouly as Prime Minister and asked him to form a new government.
The move comes after the cabinet resigned on Monday amid a series of economic challenges and growing discontent over recent austerity measures.
“Today, I assigned Dr Mostafa Madbouly to form a new government that includes the necessary expertise and competencies to manage the next phase in order to achieve the desired development in government performance and confront the challenges facing the state,” Mr El Sisi said.
His office outlined objectives including the need to maintain national security in light of regional and international challenges, prioritise human development, particularly in health care and education, as well as to continue efforts to boost political participation.
The presidency also stressed the importance of security, stability and counter-terrorism efforts, and the development of culture, national awareness and a moderate religious discourse.
The new government will be required to maintain economic reform, attract and increase domestic and foreign investment, and encourage the growth of the private sector.
Mr El Sisi also called for concerted efforts to regulate markets and curb inflation.
The directive comes at a time when Egypt is navigating a challenging economic landscape and undergoing significant structural changes.
The country recently introduced a series of austerity measures, as required by its creditors, including the lifting of a bread subsidy that left many Egyptians concerned about their ability to afford basic necessities amid record-high inflation and diminishing spending power.
Cairo secured more than $50 billion in funds after finalising agreements with several foreign partners, including an $8 billion package from the International Monetary Fund that came with stringent conditions calling for reduced public spending, a tight monetary policy and a greater economic role for the private sector.
The decision to raise the price of subsidised bread to 20 piastres a loaf, from five piastres, came into effect on June 1 but caused widespread concern and was criticised by civil society groups and legislators.
The move, aimed at reducing the financial burden on the state, has further stoked public discontent as the underprivileged struggle to cope with the rising cost of living.
Despite the influx of foreign aid, many Egyptians feel that their immediate needs are being overlooked in favour of long-term economic reforms.
The new government will face the challenge of balancing debt reduction and economic growth while addressing pressing issues such as unemployment and the overbearing role of the state and military in the economy.
Mr El Sisi was sworn in for a third term on April 2, marking a decade in office for the former army general whose rule has fundamentally changed the most populous Arab nation.
In 2022, four years after Mr Madbouly's cabinet was formed, it underwent a partial reshuffle. Thirteen ministers were replaced, including those in charge of health, irrigation and water resources, and tourism.
Mr El Sisi stated at the time that the changes were made after consultations with Mr Madbouly to improve government performance in key sectors and enhance service delivery for Egyptian citizens.
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The National Archives, Abu Dhabi
Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.
Much of the material can be viewed on line at the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive - https://www.agda.ae/en
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Timeline
1947
Ferrari’s road-car company is formed and its first badged car, the 125 S, rolls off the assembly line
1962
250 GTO is unveiled
1969
Fiat becomes a Ferrari shareholder, acquiring 50 per cent of the company
1972
The Fiorano circuit, Ferrari’s racetrack for development and testing, opens
1976
First automatic Ferrari, the 400 Automatic, is made
1987
F40 launched
1988
Enzo Ferrari dies; Fiat expands its stake in the company to 90 per cent
2002
The Enzo model is announced
2010
Ferrari World opens in Abu Dhabi
2011
First four-wheel drive Ferrari, the FF, is unveiled
2013
LaFerrari, the first Ferrari hybrid, arrives
2014
Fiat Chrysler announces the split of Ferrari from the parent company
2015
Ferrari launches on Wall Street
2017
812 Superfast unveiled; Ferrari celebrates its 70th anniversary
Brief scores
Barcelona 2
Pique 36', Alena 87'
Villarreal 0
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- Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
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The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
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What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
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Green ambitions
- Trees: 1,500 to be planted, replacing 300 felled ones, with veteran oaks protected
- Lake: Brown's centrepiece to be cleaned of silt that makes it as shallow as 2.5cm
- Biodiversity: Bat cave to be added and habitats designed for kingfishers and little grebes
- Flood risk: Longer grass, deeper lake, restored ponds and absorbent paths all meant to siphon off water
