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Egypt food subsidies face criticism

For 50 years, Egypt’s government has subsidised basic food items for the poor.

Today, 65 million Egyptians benefit from the subsidies.

But there is growing criticism that the govermnnet is not doing enough to guraantee that the cheap food ratinos are distributed to those who really need them.

Critics say even some rich people can buy sbusidised food and that some of it is sold on the black market.

Al Jazeera’s Amr El-Kahky reports from Egypt.

Egyptians have ignored calls for a nationwide strike on Sunday. This has been attributed to heavy security with threats of harsh punishment against striking emlpoyees and the pre-emptive 30 per cent increase in wages by President Mubarak four days ago. Inside Story asks if Egyptians tend to stay out of politics as long as there is food on the table or if they feel intimidated by the state.

As Egypt’s Hosni Mubarak celebrates his 80th birthday and more than 27 years as the counrty’s president, Al Jazeera visits the country and in a special programme examines why for many ordinary Egyptians their country is still a nation in waiting.

As Egypt’s Hosni Mubarak celebrates his 80th birthday and more than 27 years as the country’s president, Al Jazeera visits the country and in a special programme examines why for many ordinary Egyptians their country is still a ntaion ni waiting.

Inside Story looks at the 79-year-old Egypt President who was re-elected as party head to NDP.