Education Minister Ahmed Gamal Eddin Moussa said he isn't bothered that teachers are calling for his dismissal, two days after a public strike has been staged in schools. “Some people have the right to demand I be sacked, and I approve this democracy,” Moussa said in an interview with the state-run TV on Sunday, adding that he isn't bothered at all as he considers himself performing the duty he has been assigned. Teachers staged a strike on Saturday and Sunday demanding pay increases and the minister's dismissal. The Teachers' Independent Syndicate announced 100 percent participation across the country, but the ministry claimed the strike was a failure and participation didn't exceed 0.6 percent. Meanwhile, parents complained on Monday, the third day back at school, about the strike. Students in school uniform were seen on the streets during school hours. Moussa added that some of the demands are legitimate and will be fulfilled, but other demands cannot currently be met. Some teachers demanded that the minimum wage be LE3000, he said. “How could this happen under such circumstances? It's not easy. There is a budget deficit," Moussa said. The Finance Ministry cannot achieve this demand in the present circumstances, he added, saying, “We seek achieving this in the future.” Translated from the Arabic Edition
