Azza Korayem has no illusions about the relationship between the State and its citizens in any given setting. She believes that the only way for a truly equal society to exist, is if there is a state of symbiosis between institutions of authority and the society it governs. "When the State gives citizens their rights, these citizens will recognise the legitimacy of the State as well," Korayem, a sociologist, said. "We shouldn't have any illusions about this," she added. Deep under Korayem's State-society theory is widely felt desperation by the nation's social experts with the absence of what they call "all types" of equality in Egypt, a country of 80 million people where poverty levels rise to new heights every day, according to independent organisations. Egypt is witnessing widening gaps between rich and poor, which gives social experts a real reason to worry. They say equality, one important item in a long list of rights every citizen should enjoy, seems to becoming more of a dream than a reality for many. "I believe that the majority of the people in this country do not enjoy their citizenship fully," said Essam Abdullah, a professor of philosophy. "There are all types of discrimination as far as promotions, salaries, and opportunities are concerned," he added in an interview with the Egyptian Mail. Abdullah's view can find many supporters in the corridors of Egypt's civil society organisations. A recent report by the Egyptian Organisation for Economic and Social Rights referred to gross injustices towards thousands of Egypt's workers for no apparent reason. And the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights said the nation's Copts, about 10 per cent of the population, are a persecuted minority group. These days, debates in newspapers and discussion forums focus on the need for a constitutional change that allows a bigger number of Egyptians to run for president. Political activists say that the current constitution restricts candidacy for Egypt's presidency to the ruling National Democratic Party and makes candidacy almost impossible for other Egyptians who do not have support in Parliament. For Korayem, the sociologist, restricted political participation means it is more likely that society will become disillusioned with the ruling system. "Our political system is bad," Korayem said. "Our Government will continue to lose control as long as it doesn't give equal chances to every body," she added. Korayem, referred to the presence of numerous examples as far as law enforcement is concerned. She says some social classes are always above the law, which as a result makes the country's majority lose confidence in law enforcement as a whole. But others oppose Korayem's view, pointing to the case of a business mogul found guilty of instigating the killing of a Lebanese singer, which became big news in Egypt's newspapers and magazines last year. The crime invited such international and local media attention that it shattered any rumours that to have money and power in this country signalled a ‘get out of jail free card'. The business tycoon, Hesham Talaat Mustafa, was a legislator and an influential member of the ruling National Democratic Party. Despite his contacts and his wealth, he could not evade the punishment and was sentenced to death. The nation's investigators are currently probing the former Housing Minister Mohamed Ibrahim Soleiman on corruption allegations. Other government ministers and governors have been sentenced to jail in similar corruption cases. To Abdullah and like-minded observers, this is good. But they still warn against the current situation, when Egypt continues to treat its citizens badly. "There's strife in almost every corner in this country," Abdullah said. "But sorry to say, this is ominous. A situation like this isn't conducive to any good," he added.
