During the inauguration of several industrial power plants in Abu Rawash on 27 December, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi stated that a support fund will be established for Egyptian families, financed by both couples intending to marry and the government itself. Al-Sisi stated that the amount paid by couples will be affordable for anyone with the funds to get married, adding that the government will mirror the amount paid by citizens. “If people pay a billion,” he insisted, “the government will pay a billion, and if the people pay two billion, we will [do the same].” The minimum amount for the fund was not stated. The fund, al-Sisi reasoned, is safety-valve for families at risk of divorce and financial strife, with children who are then subject to instability. In essence, the Family Support Fund becomes a way to preserve the rights of all parties involved. “Why are we going forward with this idea?” the president asked, rhetorically. “Because families can face conflict, it is inevitable. But then, who will take care of the children? […] These are the children of Egypt. This fund comes during critical times.” The fund will come…
Egypt to Establish ‘Family Support Fund’ Funded by Marrying Couples
December 28, 2022
