The new Egyptian government, which was formed by Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouli, is expected to seek parliament’s vote of confidence in the next few days as the country continues to reel from the authorities’ decision to hike fuel prices.
Madbouli is widely expected to introduce his cabinet's program on Saturday when the council resumes its activities after last week’s Fitr holiday.
“The article on introducing the cabinet’s statement has not yet been included in the agenda of the scheduled plenary session, and the deputies have not yet been informed of the matter. However, it can be quickly arranged,” parliamentary sources told Asharq Al-Awsat.
Secretary General of the Support Egypt Coalition MP Majdi Morshed told Asharq Al-Awsat that parliament has one month to study and report on the cabinet’s ministerial program ahead of granting or withholding confidence.
Morshed, whose coalition holds the parliamentary majority, explained that the voting “will be based on the government's program, not the names of the ministers,” adding that the articles of the constitution were "clear in this regard and cannot be ignored."
Article 146 of the constitution states that “the president shall assign the prime minister to form a government and present its program to the House of Representatives.”
“If his government does not receive the confidence of the majority of the members within 30 days at most, the president assigns another prime minister, who is nominated by the party or the dominant parliamentary coalition.”
Regarding the effect of the fuel hike on parliament’s vote, Morshed said: “The recent decisions will not have an impact because there is almost consensus among lawmakers on the importance of the economic reform program, which calls for cutting subsidy.”
“Although a large number of Egyptians have been affected by the price hike, it is necessary to overcome the current economic difficulties,” he stressed.
