The resignation of the Egyptian government led by Atef Ubeid was lauded by newspapers Saturday as "the first steps of change," reflecting the wide criticism for failing to bring about needed economic, political and social reforms.
Following the Cabinet's resignation on Friday, President Hosni Mubarak appointed a new prime minister, Ahmed Nazief, 52, who said Saturday his administration will fight unemployment and work to meet the needs of families. He added, however, the state of the Egyptian economy was not bad.
In his first comments to reporters, Nazief stressed that his government's top priority will be to find "unconventional solutions" to Egypt's unemployment rate. Government officials claim unemployment is 10 percent of the working population, but many believe it to be at least double that. (menareport.com)
© 2004 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
