President Abdel Fattah El Sisi has directed the government to maintain secure reserves of essential commodities. He stressed the need to ensure affordability and regulate markets to support citizens. He also called for continued efforts to sell goods at reduced prices to ease the burden on people during the holy month. During a meeting with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk, President Sisi emphasised the importance of supporting vulnerable groups. He urged the government to improve targeting mechanisms for families in need. He also called for enhanced policies and programmes to strengthen social protection, ensuring families' needs are met and services for low- and middle-income citizens are improved. The president reviewed the social protection packages prepared by the government in response to his directives. These packages aim to ease the cost of living and enhance social security mechanisms. The support will focus on vulnerable families and recipients of the Takaful and Karama programme until June 2025. The planned increase in salaries, wages, and pensions will take effect at the start of the new financial year in July 2025. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English
