MPs and the Additional Burden: The Lack of Effective Initiatives in the Egyptian Parliament, by Nader El-Shouni

Amid the economic and social challenges facing Egypt, a pivotal question arises: Where are the members of parliament in the face of these challenges? While internal and external pressures are mounting, it appears that members of parliament have failed to put forward feasible proposals, instead settling for objections and requests for clarification, raising questions about their true role in serving the nation and its citizens.

We have yet to witness a single member of parliament put forward a clear plan to raise per capita income in their district, or propose initiatives to open international markets for their district’s products.

Nor has any MP boasted about their contributions to their country through their participation in international exhibitions, events that could have provided an opportunity to showcase the department’s capabilities and attract investment. This absence from the real world makes MPs an additional burden on state institutions, rather than part of the solution.

هذهThe policy of constantly accusing the government of failing and placing it under constant scrutiny is an outdated approach. This policy isolates parliamentary politics and democracy from political decision-making, leading to a loss of public confidence in their representatives. Instead of working to improve conditions, the focus is on criticizing the government without offering alternatives or practical solutions.

In light of the external pressures facing the country, all Egyptian authorities—executive, legislative, and judicial—must join forces to confront these challenges. Alleviating these pressures requires a strategic vision and genuine cooperation among various institutions, rather than being preoccupied with political bickering and mutual accusations.

Today’s Egyptian citizen is in dire need of courageous and innovative representatives capable of offering realistic solutions that contribute to improving the standard of living and promoting economic development. Parliament must be a platform for effective decision-making, not merely an arena for objections and statements of rejection. The responsibility falls on the representatives to overcome this current situation and work diligently to achieve citizens’ aspirations and hopes for a better future.

Ultimately, the question remains: Will representatives respond to this call for change, or will they continue down the same path that is no longer acceptable? The time has come to reconsider the true role of the Egyptian parliament and activate its role as a tool for positive change in the lives of citizens.