A new law granting the President the right to remove heads and members of independent and supervisory bodies has attracted criticism for further centralising executive powers in Egypt. The law allows for the removal of figures in cases where they “harm national security” or fail to carry out the missions of their position. The law was passed despite the fact that it is in conflict with Articles 215 and 216 of the current constitution. These articles state that the supervisory and independent bodies are to be consulted regarding regulations and laws that relate to their work, and that the heads of these bodies are to be appointed by the president with a majority approval from parliament, and cannot be removed “except in cases stated by law.” Some local media outlets have suggested that the law was passed with the intention of suspending Hisham Geneina, the head of the Central Auditing Organisation (CAO), responsible for monitoring state funds and spending, and investigating financial corruption. Specifically, some see the passing of the legislation as a response to several statements made Geneina accusing certain state institutions – namely the Interior Ministry, the Judges…
Egypt Passes New Law Threatening Independent and Supervisory Bodies
July 13, 2015
