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Can pay raises placate Egyptians amid fuel, electricity price hikes?

The Egyptian government has announced an increase in pay and pensions for civil servants before it lifts subsidies on electricity and fuel.
A car passes power lines connecting pylons of high-tension electricity at the highway in Cairo, Egypt August 14, 2017. REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh - RC122337A6E0

The Egyptian government on June 5 announced pay boosts for civil servants and pension increases ahead of price hikes on electricity and gas. The move, part of the government's social protection program, aims to help Egyptians endure the government’s economic reforms and at the same time stimulate economic growth and reduce the budget deficit.

The parliament agreed to raise pensions by 15% and to give government workers salary increases of 65 Egyptian pounds ($3.60) and 165 Egyptian pounds. Typically, civil servants receive a salary increase every seven months, but the government opted to give them an added increase in light of the current, difficult financial situation.

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