CAIRO, Egypt — Remarks by former Justice Minister Mahfouz Saber that the son of a rubbish collector should not be appointed to the judiciary — delivered a few hours before Saber’s resignation — outraged Egyptians and highlighted the problem of social mobility, or lack thereof.
When asked during a television interview whether the son of a garbage collector might be appointed to the judiciary, Saber said, “The son of a rubbish collector will not become a judge, because he is not brought up in the right environment for this profession. Even if he becomes a judge, he will come across many problems and will [end up] quitting.” Saber also said, “The rubbish collector must have done a great job raising his son and helping him obtain a degree, but there are other jobs that suit him.” Saber stepped down May 10 following the public uproar triggered by his comments.
