SCZONE showcases investment opportunities to eight Japanese companies    Egypt urges Israel to accept Gaza deal amid intensifying fighting    Egypt, ADIB explore strategic partnership in digital healthcare, investment    SCZONE, Tokyo Metropolitan Government sign MoU on green hydrogen cooperation    Al-Sisi, Macron reaffirm strategic partnership, coordinate on Gaza crisis    Egypt welcomes international efforts for peace in Ukraine    Contact Reports Strong 1H-2025 on Financing, Insurance Gains    Egypt, India's BDR Group in talks to establish biologics, cancer drug facility    AUC graduates first cohort of film industry business certificate    Egypt to tighten waste rules, cut rice straw fees to curb pollution    Indian tourist arrivals to Egypt jump 18.8% in H1-2025: ministry data    Egyptian pound down vs. US dollar at Monday's close – CBE    Egypt's FM, Palestinian PM visit Rafah crossing to review Gaza aid    Egypt prepares unified stance ahead of COP30 in Brazil    Egypt recovers collection of ancient artefacts from Netherlands    Egypt harvests 315,000 cubic metres of rainwater in Sinai as part of flash flood protection measures    Egypt, Namibia explore closer pharmaceutical cooperation    Fitch Ratings: ASEAN Islamic finance set to surpass $1t by 2026-end    Renowned Egyptian novelist Sonallah Ibrahim dies at 88    Egyptian, Ugandan Presidents open business forum to boost trade    Al-Sisi says any party thinking Egypt will neglect water rights is 'completely mistaken'    Egypt's Sisi warns against unilateral Nile measures, reaffirms Egypt's water security stance    Egypt's Sisi, Uganda's Museveni discuss boosting ties    Egypt, Huawei explore healthcare digital transformation cooperation    Egypt's Sisi, Sudan's Idris discuss strategic ties, stability    Egypt to inaugurate Grand Egyptian Museum on 1 November    Greco-Roman rock-cut tombs unearthed in Egypt's Aswan    Egypt reveals heritage e-training portal    Sisi launches new support initiative for families of war, terrorism victims    Egypt expands e-ticketing to 110 heritage sites, adds self-service kiosks at Saqqara    Palm Hills Squash Open debuts with 48 international stars, $250,000 prize pool    On Sport to broadcast Pan Arab Golf Championship for Juniors and Ladies in Egypt    Golf Festival in Cairo to mark Arab Golf Federation's 50th anniversary    Germany among EU's priciest labour markets – official data    Paris Olympic gold '24 medals hit record value    A minute of silence for Egyptian sports    Russia says it's in sync with US, China, Pakistan on Taliban    It's a bit frustrating to draw at home: Real Madrid keeper after Villarreal game    Shoukry reviews with Guterres Egypt's efforts to achieve SDGs, promote human rights    Sudan says countries must cooperate on vaccines    Johnson & Johnson: Second shot boosts antibodies and protection against COVID-19    Egypt to tax bloggers, YouTubers    Egypt's FM asserts importance of stability in Libya, holding elections as scheduled    We mustn't lose touch: Muller after Bayern win in Bundesliga    Egypt records 36 new deaths from Covid-19, highest since mid June    Egypt sells $3 bln US-dollar dominated eurobonds    Gamal Hanafy's ceramic exhibition at Gezira Arts Centre is a must go    Italian Institute Director Davide Scalmani presents activities of the Cairo Institute for ITALIANA.IT platform    







Thank you for reporting!
This image will be automatically disabled when it gets reported by several people.



Kefaya holds demonstration against high commodity prices in memory of 1977 'Bread Intifada'
Published in Daily News Egypt on 19 - 01 - 2007

CAIRO: Surrounded by a field of state security and curious locals, Kefaya activists held a demonstration outside Sayeda Zeinab mosque, marking the 30th anniversary of the 1977 Bread Intifada, which erupted in protest of the exponential price increases of basic commodities, such as bread and vegetables.
Everything is expensive these days. People don't find anything to eat. The government must lower the prices for us, Umm Mohammed, 60, told The Daily Star Egypt, comparing current conditions to 30 years ago.
The so-called Bread Intifada of 1977 erupted as a result of President Anwar Sadat's decision to dramatically increase prices on commodity goods overnight.
As a result, a public outcry including mass demonstrations and strikes took place in and around Cairo, causing the government overturn its decision temporarily.
Armed with anti-government banners and holding up carrots and onions to illustrate the purpose of the protest, the protestors urged authorities to lower commodity prices while chanting anti-government slogans and calling for government transparency.
Commodity prices have constantly been rising the past 25 years ever since [President Hosni] Mubarak came to power. People need lower food prices and we chose to hold the demonstration today to mark the 30th anniversary of the 1977 Bread Intifada, Kareem Mohamed Rega, a Kefaya coordinator said.
In addition to the protestors, Thursday's crowd featured a large number of journalists, reporters, bloggers, and human rights activists.
Wael Abbas, one of Egypt's most well-known photojournalists, relaxed on the railing next to state security agents with a smile on his face.
It's a good thing they hold these protests. We need it here, Abbas said.
However, some Kefaya activists hoped for a larger turnout at the demonstration.
No, I am not happy with today's event. I thought a lot more people would show up for the protest, a disappointed female Kefaya member said.
Salam, a curious onlooker, argued that the real problem has its roots in small salary increases.
I actually don't think the commodity prices are too high, but the government cannot continue to raise the prices without increasing people's salaries as well. The system is unbalanced at the moment, Salam emphasized.
State security and police seemed mildly entertained at the event. Shaking their heads and turning away, security officers refused to comment on the demonstration.


Clic here to read the story from its source.