For decades, the legitimacy of governments has been measured by their economic outcomes, such as growth rates and inflation reduction. However, with increasing economic pressures and rising prices, a new philosophy has emerged regarding the role of government and the social contract between the state and its citizens. This new approach emphasizes immediate and targeted government interventions to alleviate the burden of living costs.
Two Western models, exemplified by New York City Mayor Zahran Mamedan and UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, have implemented this approach. Burnham, who took office last July, faced intense public dissatisfaction with his Labour government's handling of the economy. With rising living costs, energy bills, and water and gas prices, as well as a gradual rollback of social welfare policies, the Labour Party's popularity had plummeted. In response, Burnham shifted the government's focus from long-term economic goals to immediate interventions that benefit citizens.
Burnham's government introduced policies such as canceling certain energy bills, reducing value-added tax on electricity, capping public transportation fares, and providing local tax exemptions. This approach, dubbed "politics of trying," prioritizes tangible actions that demonstrate the government's commitment to its citizens. Rather than waiting for economic plans to bear fruit, the government is taking concrete steps to alleviate daily hardships.
Mamedan's policy, called "affordability," shares a similar approach. It addresses the question of whether ordinary citizens can cope with living expenses, including housing, food, education, and transportation, in the face of skyrocketing prices and stagnant incomes. Mamedan's policies aim to put money back in citizens' pockets by freezing rent increases, making public bus lines free, and providing childcare support, funded by increased taxes on the wealthy.
Egypt previously adopted a trickle-down economic approach, investing in infrastructure and encouraging investment to stimulate growth. However, this strategy has not yielded the desired results, and the country now faces pressing economic and social challenges. As a result, there is a growing need for Egypt to adopt a "politics of trying" and prioritize affordability.
The current situation demands immediate and direct government interventions that have a tangible impact on citizens' daily lives, particularly with regards to service prices, transportation, and bills. Egyptian citizens, struggling to cope with rising costs, need a government that stands with them in this battle. They can no longer afford to wait for the benefits of long-term economic plans and require swift action to help them survive.
Social justice is no longer a distant goal to be achieved after years of planning; it must be a daily practice that prioritizes the well-being of citizens. The adoption of "politics of trying" and affordability policies could provide a vital lifeline for Egyptians struggling to make ends meet, helping to restore trust in the government's ability to address their needs.
Key points
- Egypt needs to adopt policies that prioritize citizens' immediate needs, such as affordability and "politics of trying."
- The approach would involve targeted government interventions to alleviate living costs and provide tangible support to citizens.
- This shift in approach would help address Egypt's pressing social and economic challenges.
