Freedom of Information Law Included in New Media Reform Plans

The government is moving to accelerate the issuance of a freedom of information law as part of a broader effort to reform Egypt's media sector, following presidential directives to open an objective media dialogue that includes differing viewpoints.

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly discussed implementation plans with Minister of State for Information Diaa Rashwan, who said coordination is underway with the relevant ministries and authorities to expedite the legislation. Rashwan also presented proposals for sustainable off-budget funding for public service media and reviewed requests from public and private media organisations aimed at easing their operations, noting that the government has already responded to several of them.

The meeting also addressed the evaluation of media offices across ministries to improve the flow of public information and strengthen communication with the press. Madbouly directed Rashwan to present the ministry's vision for the sector, alongside the evaluation findings and an action plan for the coming period, to the Cabinet.

The discussions follow President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi's call for an objective media dialogue that embraces "opinion and the other opinion" during the inauguration of the State Strategic Command Centre, known as the Octagon. He also directed the Minister of State for Information to coordinate with media bodies on holding an annual conference, tentatively scheduled for December 3rd, to assess the state of Egyptian media and develop recommendations for its continued development.