Can Egypt's new cabinet overcome public skepticism, economic discontent?

Shahira Amin

Jul 13, 2024

TOPSHOT - A deliveryman balances a tray of freshly baked bread while riding his bicycle along the al-Darb al-Ahmar district in the old quarters of Cairo on March 6, 2024. (Photo by Amir MAKAR / AFP) (Photo by AMIR MAKAR/AFP via Getty Images) — A deliveryman balances a tray of freshly baked bread while riding his bicycle along the al-Darb al-Ahmar district in the old quarters of Cairo on March 6, 2024. — AMIR MAKAR/AFP via Getty Images

CAIRO — Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly gave his 30-member cabinet a major overhaul July 3, unveiling 20 fresh faces and tasking several ministers with new roles.

The new cabinet, which includes four women and several technocrats, comes three months after President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi was reelected for a third six-year term amid growing public disgruntlement with his rule. Critics accuse Sisi of mismanagement, plunging Egypt into debt and expanding a military empire at the expense of citizens.

The cabinet reshuffle, which includes changes to key ministries such as finance, defense and foreign affairs, also comes amid widespread discontent over ballooning inflation and frequent power cuts.

Egyptians are also increasingly concerned about spillover from the ongoing Gaza war that has raged since Oct. 7, 2023, on Egypt's eastern border.