Egypt's president slices bread subsidies
A controversial decision by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to cut bread subsidies despite an earlier promise not to tamper with the price of subsidized loaves has raised concerns that this move may trigger a wave of unrest reminiscent of the bread riots of 1977.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's call to raise the price of subsidized bread has sparked controversy in Egypt; supporters welcomed it as a wise and timely decision while critics condemned it as the last straw.
"It is time to increase the price of the 5 piaster loaf," Sisi said in reference to the subsidized bread provided to at least 60 million Egyptians. His comment came during the opening of a food production plant in Sadat City in the Northern Delta Aug. 3.
