A number of pensioners complained that the 15 percent increase for pensions, approved by the government on Monday, is unsatisfactory and not commensurate with the increase in the prices of basic services like food, water, electricity and others. Minister of Social Solidarity Ghada Wali said the Cabinet had agreed to increase pensions by 15 percent, at a minimum of LE130 each starting from July 1. “I used to pay LE30 a month for the electricity bill, while nowadays I pay around LE150 a month. “We were optimistic about a decent life after the war ended, but we found out that the state barely approves an annual increase in our pensions. What is worse is that the increase is usually followed by further price hikes which means giving to us with one hand and taking with the other,” said Sayyed.

Source: Egypt Independent May 31, 2017 12:00 UTC