Beblawi on security, the economy and past presidents

Egypt will only achieve economic progress after political stability and security is established across the country, Prime Minister Hazem al-Beblawi told the state-run Middle East News Agency (MENA) on Sunday.

However, the Cabinet was not planning to extend the state of emergency past November, he assured.

In his recent interview with Saudi-based Okaz newspaper, Beblawi pointed out that investments in the country have increased by LE22 billion, in addition to prior investments worth LE60 billion that are already underway. The Cabinet is focused on creating an investor-friendly environment while providing incentives for the private sector, the PM stressed.

A program between Arab investors, with Saudis holding a majority, has been ongoing to create large investment projects in Egypt, Beblawi added, expressing his appreciation for the critical role they have assumed in helping Egypt out of its current predicament.

Beblawi also spoke of the former president, stating that Hosni Mobarak would remain under house arrest. He further added that former President Mohamed Morsi was not currently under arrest, but rather detained in accordance with all legal procedures, and that no exceptional measures had been taken in his case. The secrecy regarding Morsi’s whereabouts ever since he was removed from office by military mandate on July 3 was simply for the former president’s own safety, Beblawi claimed.  

The prime minister denounced what some have called the interim government’s “shaky hands” approach to the unstable political situation in the country, pointing to the August 14 dispersal of the Rabea al-Adaweya and Nahda Square sit-ins as evidence of their commitment and strength, as compared to previous governments.

This brutal crackdown led by the state’s security forces against Morsi's supporters left hundreds dead across the country.

Beblawi also highlighted recent legislation, such as the proposal of a higher minimum wage for government workers that is expected to go into effect in 2014, and waiving school tuition fees, as concrete examples of the government’s empathy for the people.

Finally, the government is fully committed to executing a recent court ruling that banned the Muslim Brotherhood and any of its activities, Beblawi concluded in the interview, stressing the government’s respect for the judicial system.