Is discussing military budget taboo in Egypt?
Opposition by some Egyptian parliament members against an increase in pensions for retired military personnel leads to a showdown in the parliament.
The Egyptian parliament witnessed a new dispute between parliament member Mohamed Anwar El Sadat, the head of the Human Rights Committee, and House Speaker Ali Abdul Aal on July 25 during a discussion of a bill to amend some articles of the Military Retirement, Insurance and Pension Law that stipulates a 10% increase in the pensions of retired military personnel and combatants.
The dispute started when Sadat voiced his opposition to the increase. “I emphasize the role our great armed forces play in protecting our lands and preserving stability and security as well as development. I would even demand that military pensions be raised to by more than 10%,” Sadat said. “However, how can we adopt this increase while we have not even been acquainted with the salaries that the officers take, not to mention knowing the payment system adopted by the military institution?” he asked.
“What do you think of the honorable officers who hold civilian positions either as ministers, governors, mayors or chairmen of companies? What do you think of providing them with pensions?” Sadat asked Gen. Mamdouh Shaheen, the representative of the military inside the House of Representatives.
Once Abdul Aal heard Sadat, he interrupted him and shouted at him, saying, “An officer has the right to a pension even if he holds any civil position. The Supreme Constitutional Court made this clear, and you are not allowed to talk about soldiers who paid the blood tax.”
