Egypt’s Government Future and Sinai Election Security Take Focus

The future of Egypt’s government and security preparations for elections in Sinai were among the issues highlighted in Friday’s news coverage, alongside parliamentary alliance-building and talks over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.

The government’s fate was framed as resting with the president and the “For the Love of Egypt” electoral coalition. Names under consideration for appointment to parliament were also reported to be before the president, though the summary provided no details on the candidates.

Mostafa Bakry said a new parliamentary alliance was being formed as an alternative to “For the Love of Egypt.” Separately, Sorour said work on the new labour law had been completed so it could be presented to the incoming parliament.

In Sinai, reports highlighted the identification of those responsible for the attack on the hotel housing judges in Arish, without providing their names in the summary. Special forces and counterterrorism teams were also reported to be assigned to protect elections in the peninsula.

On the diplomatic front, Egypt said technical meetings on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam would serve no purpose before the six-party meeting takes place. Russia, meanwhile, described the Sinai incident as directed against its relations with Egypt.