Chancellor Majdy Al-Agaty, Minister of State for Legal and Parliamentary Affairs in Sherif Ismail cabinet answers questions asked by the Egyptian street about price increases, the wheat corruption committee and IMF loan
By Hossam Abdel Qawi
The Middle East Observer had the pleasure of conducting the following interview with Chancellor Majdy Al-Agaty, former Vice President of the State Council and current Minister of State for Legal and Parliamentary Affairs in Sherif Ismail cabinet, to answer the Egyptian street’s questions on the parliament.
Did the parliament approve the latest price increases?
First of all, let me tell you that some things are better left unknown, we cannot know for sure whether people’s intention is good or bad. The government submits requests to the parliament for consideration, requests are then discussed in these sessions, that is all. The parliament is not responsible for the sudden increase in prices over the last period, as it has no competence in such matters.
Your Excellency, what do you mean by “some things are better left unknown”?
Of course, if a source in the parliament previously stated that there would be an increase in prices, then this information may filtrate into the market which may open a way for black market, monopoly activities and commodity shortages in the market due to storing declared commodities. Thus, such practices may fabricate an economic crisis in the Egyptian market.
Do you think that this is the right timing for price increases?
Egypt’s current economic situation made it obligatory on all of us to make the reform. If we truly want to make a successful economic reform, taking major strides is our only way to overcome this situation, that is the way things are done right now. Speaking of timing; let me tell you that the timing is sensitive and the decision makers are aware of the process and bear its consequences.
Did the parliament approve the request for the IMF $12 Billion loan?
The request was sent to the parliament and was approved.
Are you satisfied with the performance of the Fact-Finding Committee investigating the wheat corruption case?
Certainly, the committee has made considerable efforts due to the case’s sensitive nature, as it affects every citizen in this country. There is no doubt that the efforts of this committee has provided all necessary assistance to the investigatory and judicial authorities to take the appropriate actions in this regard.
Is the role of the committee limited to submitting its reports or is it carrying out other tasks in the said case right now?
The role of the Fact-Finding Committee in the wheat corruption case ended with submitting its report to the Public Prosecutor and investigatory authorities. It will not be responsible for carrying out any other tasks in the case. In this regard, let me emphasize one an important point, the role of the parliament is of legislative nature and it is not responsible for accountability or prosecution. Thus, the Fact-Finding Committee will be removed from the case following the submission of there report to the public prosecution and that is exactly what has happened.
Your Excellency, What do you think of the current parliament’s performance?
There is no doubt that the current parliament’s performance has improved significantly compared to performance of its previous sessions, as the MPs are now much more experienced.
I believe that the daily work and considerable efforts made by the young MPs will contribute to putting our beloved Egypt on the right track. It will also open the way for the next generations to engage in the political process and encourage the current generation to be role models in order to create an atmosphere favorable to the political process in Egypt whose future hinges on its young people who will make Egypt strong and great among the nations.
