Billboards and street signs have gone up across Egypt's capital extolling austerity and hope, part of a pro-government public relations campaign aimed at preparing Egyptians for sweeping economic reforms. Other messages include "Fear and skepticism lengthen the road," as well as "Rationalize our consumption, reduce our imports." Egypt is expected to gradually lift state subsidies on fuel, basic services and food items as part of its reform program. On Thursday, scores of Egyptian mothers with crying babies in their arms protested a severe shortage of subsidized baby formula. Egypt's economy has been battered in the five years since an uprising toppled longtime ruler Hosni Mubarak.

Source: ABC News September 03, 2016 13:36 UTC