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Egypt Independent
a day ago
- Politics
- Egypt Independent
The government is out of service
Memories from the recent past paint a different picture. Back in Maher Abaza's day, the Ministry of Electricity meticulously performed maintenance on power stations before the summer's onset. Similarly, the Ministry of Housing, under Hasaballah al-Kafrawy, diligently oversaw maintenance at cement factories. Life felt smoother then. Now, we're suddenly facing out ministries seemingly neglecting basic maintenance. The power grid has failed, plunging Giza into darkness and cutting off its water supply. This has triggered an internal migration to Cairo and its suburbs, as people flee the widespread power and water outages. Amidst all this, all we heard was a Ministry of Electricity plan to ensure uninterrupted power supply and prevent a repeat of Giza's crisis. We were told two new circuits were added to 'Geziret al-Dahab,' capable of handling double the current load, up to 240 megawatts. We also heard reports of an official, when asked by citizens when the power would return, simply stating, 'God knows.' The glaring question is: Where was the ministry before the summer crisis hit? Did the government focus solely on new developments, completely forgetting the older areas? Where was this crucial ministry when the Geziret al-Dahab transformer station went out of service? And speaking of going 'out of service,' where was the Ministry of Communications when Ramses exchange failed, bringing down communications across Egypt? Has the entire government simply gone offline? I suspect if I were to check every ministry, I'd find them all 'out of service.' The problem isn't just with electricity or communications. It extends to Irrigation, Agriculture, and Housing—a ministry now building luxury homes and neglecting affordable housing, seemingly more interested in market transactions than its core mission of providing social housing for the less fortunate. I simply cannot explain this strange, unchanging situation in Egypt, where this government – with all its shortcomings – remains entrenched. Is the explanation that it will cling on 'until our last breath,' as the Minister of Transport once declared, 'I'm not leaving, I'm staying'? Where does the government and its ministers draw such power? How can these crises keep recurring while the same government remains in place? The Governor of Giza was the only one to issue an apology after the recent crisis, stating it was 'difficult for citizens to live without water and electricity in these harsh conditions.' Yet, we now discover the crisis is repeating at least twice daily, leading to the breakdown of water pumps and electrical appliances in homes. Who will compensate citizens for this damage, and who will provide them with replacement devices?! Finally, are we to be satisfied that a responsible source within the Ministry of Electricity stated the ministry has prepared an urgent plan to definitively end the power outage issues in Giza and its surrounding areas? Should we simply wait longer and continue living in darkness? What has happened to Egypt under this current government? How have we reached a point where we long to go back in time, to the days of Maher Abaza, al-Kafrawy, and Soliman Metwally? There is a critical flaw that must be addressed, and swiftly. About the author: A seasoned journalist since 1991, Mohamed Amin has contributed to numerous publications, including Al-Naba newspaper, and served as a correspondent for Agence France-Presse (AFP). His career trajectory includes several prominent editorial roles, culminating in his appointment as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Al-Masry Al-Youm newspaper in 2016. He has also held the position of Editor-in-Chief for the Cairo-based October Magazine in July 2017.
Egypt Independent
a day ago
- Politics
- Egypt Independent
A government is out of service
Memories from the recent past paint a different picture. Back in Maher Abaza's day, the Ministry of Electricity meticulously performed maintenance on power stations before the summer's onset. Similarly, the Ministry of Housing, under Hasaballah al-Kafrawy, diligently oversaw maintenance at cement factories. Life felt smoother then. Now, we're suddenly facing out ministries seemingly neglecting basic maintenance. The power grid has failed, plunging Giza into darkness and cutting off its water supply. This has triggered an internal migration to Cairo and its suburbs, as people flee the widespread power and water outages. Amidst all this, all we heard was a Ministry of Electricity plan to ensure uninterrupted power supply and prevent a repeat of Giza's crisis. We were told two new circuits were added to 'Geziret al-Dahab,' capable of handling double the current load, up to 240 megawatts. We also heard reports of an official, when asked by citizens when the power would return, simply stating, 'God knows.' The glaring question is: Where was the ministry before the summer crisis hit? Did the government focus solely on new developments, completely forgetting the older areas? Where was this crucial ministry when the Geziret al-Dahab transformer station went out of service? And speaking of going 'out of service,' where was the Ministry of Communications when Ramses exchange failed, bringing down communications across Egypt? Has the entire government simply gone offline? I suspect if I were to check every ministry, I'd find them all 'out of service.' The problem isn't just with electricity or communications. It extends to Irrigation, Agriculture, and Housing—a ministry now building luxury homes and neglecting affordable housing, seemingly more interested in market transactions than its core mission of providing social housing for the less fortunate. I simply cannot explain this strange, unchanging situation in Egypt, where this government – with all its shortcomings – remains entrenched. Is the explanation that it will cling on 'until our last breath,' as the Minister of Transport once declared, 'I'm not leaving, I'm staying'? Where does the government and its ministers draw such power? How can these crises keep recurring while the same government remains in place? The Governor of Giza was the only one to issue an apology after the recent crisis, stating it was 'difficult for citizens to live without water and electricity in these harsh conditions.' Yet, we now discover the crisis is repeating at least twice daily, leading to the breakdown of water pumps and electrical appliances in homes. Who will compensate citizens for this damage, and who will provide them with replacement devices?! Finally, are we to be satisfied that a responsible source within the Ministry of Electricity stated the ministry has prepared an urgent plan to definitively end the power outage issues in Giza and its surrounding areas? Should we simply wait longer and continue living in darkness? What has happened to Egypt under this current government? How have we reached a point where we long to go back in time, to the days of Maher Abaza, al-Kafrawy, and Soliman Metwally? There is a critical flaw that must be addressed, and swiftly. About the author: A seasoned journalist since 1991, Mohamed Amin has contributed to numerous publications, including Al-Naba newspaper, and served as a correspondent for Agence France-Presse (AFP). His career trajectory includes several prominent editorial roles, culminating in his appointment as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Al-Masry Al-Youm newspaper in 2016. He has also held the position of Editor-in-Chief for the Cairo-based October Magazine in July 2017.
Egypt Independent
2 days ago
- Politics
- Egypt Independent
Egypt's government is out of service
Memories from the recent past paint a different picture. Back in Maher Abaza's day, the Ministry of Electricity meticulously performed maintenance on power stations before the summer's onset. Similarly, the Ministry of Housing, under Hasaballah al-Kafrawy, diligently oversaw maintenance at cement factories. Life felt smoother then. Now, we're suddenly facing out ministries seemingly neglecting basic maintenance. The power grid has failed, plunging Giza into darkness and cutting off its water supply. This has triggered an internal migration to Cairo and its suburbs, as people flee the widespread power and water outages. Amidst all this, all we heard was a Ministry of Electricity plan to ensure uninterrupted power supply and prevent a repeat of Giza's crisis. We were told two new circuits were added to 'Geziret al-Dahab,' capable of handling double the current load, up to 240 megawatts. We also heard reports of an official, when asked by citizens when the power would return, simply stating, 'God knows.' The glaring question is: Where was the ministry before the summer crisis hit? Did the government focus solely on new developments, completely forgetting the older areas? Where was this crucial ministry when the Geziret al-Dahab transformer station went out of service? And speaking of going 'out of service,' where was the Ministry of Communications when Ramses exchange failed, bringing down communications across Egypt? Has the entire government simply gone offline? I suspect if I were to check every ministry, I'd find them all 'out of service.' The problem isn't just with electricity or communications. It extends to Irrigation, Agriculture, and Housing—a ministry now building luxury homes and neglecting affordable housing, seemingly more interested in market transactions than its core mission of providing social housing for the less fortunate. I simply cannot explain this strange, unchanging situation in Egypt, where this government – with all its shortcomings – remains entrenched. Is the explanation that it will cling on 'until our last breath,' as the Minister of Transport once declared, 'I'm not leaving, I'm staying'? Where does the government and its ministers draw such power? How can these crises keep recurring while the same government remains in place? The Governor of Giza was the only one to issue an apology after the recent crisis, stating it was 'difficult for citizens to live without water and electricity in these harsh conditions.' Yet, we now discover the crisis is repeating at least twice daily, leading to the breakdown of water pumps and electrical appliances in homes. Who will compensate citizens for this damage, and who will provide them with replacement devices?! Finally, are we to be satisfied that a responsible source within the Ministry of Electricity stated the ministry has prepared an urgent plan to definitively end the power outage issues in Giza and its surrounding areas? Should we simply wait longer and continue living in darkness? What has happened to Egypt under this current government? How have we reached a point where we long to go back in time, to the days of Maher Abaza, al-Kafrawy, and Soliman Metwally? There is a critical flaw that must be addressed, and swiftly. About the author: A seasoned journalist since 1991, Mohamed Amin has contributed to numerous publications, including Al-Naba newspaper, and served as a correspondent for Agence France-Presse (AFP). His career trajectory includes several prominent editorial roles, culminating in his appointment as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Al-Masry Al-Youm newspaper in 2016. He has also held the position of Editor-in-Chief for the Cairo-based October Magazine in July 2017.
Local France
2 days ago
- Business
- Local France
France to reopen property grant scheme
The timing of the resumption of the scheme runs in line with expectations after economy minister Éric Lombard told the Senate that it would be temporarily suspended because of a backlog of applications and suspicions about fraudulent applications. 'Once this has been sorted out, the process can continue (...) the government has every intention of restoring operations before the end of the year,' he said. On July 22nd, the Ministry of Housing indicated that around 5,000 fraudulent applications had been detected in relation to major renovations and approximately 8,000 fraudulent applications in relation to 'targeted' works. Advertisement The MaPrimeRénov' scheme was introduced in 2020 to help households pay for energy-related renovations. Specifically, the work would need to fit into one of four categories: heating, insulation, ventilation and energy audits. It had been due to undergo radical change, anyway – with financial aid for smaller-scale works phased out in favour of more extensive renovation work – but a decree issued in the closing days of Michel Barnier's short-lived government late last year meant it had something of a reprieve. For the past two years, the state's share of funding for the scheme has been steadily reduced. By 2024, it was already down €2 billion of the amount initially planned, falling from €4.5 billion to €2.3 billion. Meanwhile, the complexity of the scheme prevented all funds from being used. Only 350,000 renovation projects were carried out last year, compared to the 600,000 planned. The application window for new renovation grants will reopen on September 30th, 2025. Access to financial support will be restricted, and terms and conditions have been modified. MaPrimeRénov' Rénovation d'ampleur (major renovation) allows households, as part of a comprehensive renovation programme, to finance work on to improve comfort in summer and winter and save energy. The scheme helps cover home energy improvement work in the following six categories: thermal insulation of walls; thermal insulation of ground floors; thermal insulation of roofs; thermal insulation of exterior joinery; ventilation; heating or domestic hot water production. What about the new terms and conditions? The number of new applications accepted for MaPrimeRénov' Rénovation d'ampleur will be limited to 13,000 until the end of 2025. Initially, only very low-income households will be able to apply. Depending on the number of applications submitted, low-income households may then have access to this financial support again. Levels for 'very low-income' and 'low income' households are defined here . Furthermore, applications must be for improvements to the most energy inefficient properties – ones that are classified E, F, or G in energy performance diagnostics – known as diagnostic de performance énergétique (DPE). READ ALSO EXPLAINED: France's rules on energy ratings for property owners Advertisement In addition, a 10 percent subsidy bonus – that was applied to homes with pre-improvement energy ratings of F and G that would become at least D after work was completed – has been abolished. Finally, as of September 30th, the ceiling for expenses eligible for MaPrimeRénov' will be lowered from a maximum of €70,000 for work that would result in a gain of four or more DPE classes to between €30,000 and €40,000, depending on energy savings achieved through the renovation. It is currently still possible to submit an application for assistance for specific work, such as insulating the roof terrace of your home or installing a solar thermal heating system (the MaPrimeRénov' single-step process). Applications for MaPrimeRénov' Copropriétés are also still being accepted; the IT platform processing renovation applications for co-owned properties remains accessible. All complete and compliant applications submitted before the deadline will be examined based on the rules in force at the time of submission . Because the grant is means-tested it requires a recent French tax declaration for proof of income, which in effect rules out second-home owners and limits the scheme to those resident in France. There is no requirement, however, to be a French citizen.
Telegraph
2 days ago
- Business
- Telegraph
Rayner paying thousands more of taxpayers' money to trade union reps
The taxpayer-funded cost of trade union activities in Angela Rayner's department has increased by tens of thousands of pounds in a single year. Documents published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) show that the cost of paying trade union reps rose by 57 per cent in the last financial year. Public and private sector employers are required to pay employees who moonlight as shop stewards 'facility time' – effectively additional paid time off – to complete their union duties. Ms Rayner, who has significantly expanded the power of the unions in private industry with her employment rights reforms, is also paying far more for the reps. The latest annual report for MHCLG shows the department paid £225,803 in facility time in the 2024-5 financial year, up from £143,527 under the Conservatives the previous year. Union reps have been entitled to paid time off to carry out their duties in Britain since 1975 under the Wilson government. Ms Rayner has increased the facility time that both public and private sector employers must pay in her employment rights bill, so the cost of the payments are set to rise again next year when it passes into law. The legislation will also force employers to pay the extra wages for 'equality representatives' in the workplace for the first time. James Cleverly, the shadow housing secretary, said: 'This boom in trade union time off on Angela Rayner's watch is a shocking waste of taxpayers' money. 'Yet again prioritising trade union trots over taxpayers shows [Ms] Rayner is still in hock to her union pals. 'Whether it's this, the employment bill or no-strings-attached payouts, Labour must stop putting the interests of unions who bankroll the party ahead of the national interest.' Research by the Taxpayers' Alliance last year found there were 23,592 public sector workers moonlighting as trade union reps in 2023 – the second highest number on record. The total cost of the payments to the taxpayer was almost £100m. An MHCLG spokesman explained the extra cost of facility time in Ms Rayner's department by arguing that salaries for civil servants had increased in line with inflation. But the increase of 57 per cent cannot be explained by inflation alone. Other departments, including the Foreign Office, have seen almost no change in their bill for facility time in the last year. Ms Rayner, a former union rep on Stockport council, has long had close ties to Unison, where she also once worked as an official. However, the Left-wing Unite the Union voted to suspend her earlier this month, over her reluctance to support striking bin workers in Birmingham. Sources close to Ms Rayner said she had already cancelled her membership, and that she believed the workers should accept a pay offer by Birmingham city council. A spokesman for the MHCLG said: 'These figures represent less than 0.1 per cent of our total pay bill and have increased for reasons including annual salary uplifts for staff in line with civil service pay guidance. 'Trade union representatives have a legal right to be given time off to undertake their duties, and they bring benefits to workplaces and the economy. We continue to support staff to do this as part of our commitment to supporting workers' rights.'
