Social pressures mounting in Egypt as a result of neoliberal policies

Youssef El-Gingihy, the author of How to Dismantle the NHS in 10 Easy Steps, sees social pressures mounting in Egypt as a result of neoliberal policies. “The [2015] Sharm el-Sheikh conference was itself emblematic of the unbroken continuity of neoliberalism in post-2011 Egypt. International Monetary Fund (IMF) bail-outs have, as per usual, come with strings attached. A massive program of privatization is in progress, attractive to international investors with tax cuts and deregulation proceeding apace. The conference saw heavy representation from Western and Gulf allies anxious to prevent further disruption to their interests. It was produced by global PR and consultancy firms. Tony Blair—who has advised President Sisi—was a keynote speaker while Lazard—the financial consultancy—is advising Sisi on economic policy.”