Poll: Egyptians satisfied with Sisi’s political but not economic decisions

100 days into Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s presidency, the Ibn Khaldun Center for Development Studies released the results of a survey assessing his popularity.

The results showed that 61 percent are generally satisfied with Sisi’s performance during his first 100 days in office, while 28 percent are indifferent and 11 percent are not satisfied. 

According to the sample population interviewed, there has been an improvement in the security situation and political stability, yet living conditions and civil liberties have remained the same.

The poll indicates that 65 percent are either unsatisfied or neutral towards Sisi’s economic decisions.

The inflation rate has been rising, reaching 11.4 percent in August, according to state statistics agency CAPMAS. This rise was driven by government decisions to cut fuel subsidies and increase the prices of certain goods, including tobacco and alcohol. According to CAPMAS, the food and beverage yearly inflation recorded 11.6 percent in August.

The poll results were more favorable politically, showing that 98 percent are either extremely satisfied, satisfied or neutral towards Sisi’s political decisions.

Dalia Ziyada, the executive director of the Ibn Khaldun Center, noted that most of the answers were “neutral,” denoting a skeptical attitude regarding the future.

The center issued recommendations to President Sisi based on the poll, including the amendment of the anti-Protest Law passed last November and the civil society law, widely expected to narrow the space for civil society to operate in Egypt.

Sisi’s presidency has witnessed a crackdown on street action and civil society and a large number of detainees on charges related to political activity.