PM outlines Cabinet’s pledges, calls for end to strikes

In his first address as prime minister, Ibrahim Mehleb outlined seven tasks ahead of the Cabinet, calling on Egyptians to help rebuild the nation and halt strikes and protests.

He vowed that the Cabinet would support Egyptians within the framework of the law.

On the top of his list, Mehleb vowed to restore security and combat terrorism “with any means possible,” as well as impose the rule of the law while upholding principles of human rights and democracy.

The new prime minister saluted the police’s and army’s martyrs as well as the “nation’s martyrs,” renewing the commitment to their families to “pass this difficult turn in the road onto a prosperous future.”

“We are engaged in a battle on behalf of the entire region and we will triumph,” Mehleb said, lauding the role of Al-Azhar and the church, as well as preachers and intellectuals, in standing against extremist ideologies.

Mehleb assumed his new role last week after former Prime Minister Beblawi resigned along with most of his Cabinet.

The new Cabinet, which was sworn in on Saturday, includes 11 newcomers, most of whom face some pressing issues inherited from their predecessors.

In the televised address, Mehleb also pledged swift solutions to basic demands so that Egyptians have “a decent standard of living for Egyptians,” while committing to “even distribution.”

He also pledged to give attention to national projects, calling them the “bridge to a better future,” chief of which is the Suez Canal project. Mehleb said that these national projects are built by the youth and are an important factor in attracting investment and creating job opportunities.

Next on his list of pledges was “repairing structural flaws in the Egyptian economy,” as well as providing favorable conditions for investment. Mehleb also vowed to create job opportunities and work on employing the youth in leadership and executive positions.

The prime minister promised neutrality and integrity as the government creates a political, democratic environment, while committing to the Constitution and the law.

The Cabinet will also work on strengthening foreign relations, Mehleb said, while giving regional, Arab and African relations special attention.

Finally, the Cabinet will also focus on administrative and institutional reform, as well as supporting the public sector and maintaining workers’ rights. Mehleb also vowed to combat corruption while cultivating the private sector and encouraging investment.

“We are facing mountains of challenges but we have faith in God, the country and Egyptians,” Mehleb said.

He thanked the ministers who stayed on in the Cabinet as well as those who accepted new positions at this difficult time. He also praised the outgoing ministers for fulfilling their duties during a challenging period.

Mehleb thanked his predecessor Hazem al-Beblawi, “from whom I learnt a lot and who assumed this responsibility in an extremely difficult and dangerous time.”

The prime minister urged Egyptians so put aside strikes and sit-ins emphasizing that “now is the time for work and production … let us start building the nation.”

He said that while he is fully aware of the pressures and acknowledges the demands that need to be addressed, he is also aware “of your love for your country.”

“Raise your demands through your representatives so the building process doesn’t stop,” he said, “and we will reach common ground.”