Egypt’s political system remained dominated by military and intelligence actors, with extensive presidential powers and severely restricted judicial independence. Political participation and civil liberties continued to deteriorate, as the 2023 presidential election was neither free nor fair. Civil society faced persistent repression, including widespread imprisonment, enforced disappearances and tight state control over the media.
Economic conditions weakened further following external shocks. Fiscal and monetary instability increased, marked by high inflation, shrinking currency reserves and rising debt. The extension of the IMF loan triggered a sharp devaluation of the currency, while austerity measures and subsidy cuts continued. Poverty increased, and the middle classes faced further erosion as social protection remained insufficient.
Governance remained geared toward regime stability. The Presidential Amnesty Committee and the National Dialogue produced no substantive outcomes, prioritizing elite interests, with limited efforts to address corruption. International cooperation expanded through major investment agreements with the UAE and the EU, and Egypt deepened ties with Russia, China and India following its accession to the BRICS group.
