Egypt swears in a new Cabinet as mounting economic challenges fuel public discontent

Associated Press

CAIRO (AP) — Egypt’s new Cabinet has been sworn in and features major changes in the defense, foreign ministry and economy portfolios as the country faces mounting public discontent and conflicts in neighboring nations. Years of economic mismanagement, the coronavirus pandemic and the fallout of wars in Europe and the Middle East have all caused economic pain including ballooning inflation. Meanwhile, a Western-backed reform program adopted in 2016 and backed by President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi has led to unpopular austerity measures. Nearly 30% of Egyptians live in poverty.