Is the phenomenon of demonstrations being held by certain segments of society, protesting their worsening living conditions, caused by the deteriorating state of life in Egypt, to such a degree that they prefer to live on sidewalks? Or is it caused by the increasing space of freedom, and by the fact that what used to be forbidden is now allowed? The question remains standing as long as the sidewalk facing the house of parliament remains crowded with those needing help or justice and equity. It is true that the Egyptian government has sometimes sought to solve the problems of some of these people, but it seems that its ability to solve everyone's problems has become limited. It is noteworthy that these angry protesters from certain segments of society have all refused to yield to attempts to exploit them by any political force. Yet this stance of theirs has not helped their cause, and the government did not consider it to be a favor it should repay, thus leaving them where they were, on the sidewalk. Nevertheless, such a phenomenon has made it clear that the discourse and statements of officials about the situation of the Egyptian economy improving – as well as the numbers they put forth about the rising growth rates, the improving balance of payments or the doubling of the gross domestic product (GDP) – are all just numbers which, even if true, have not reflected positively on ordinary citizens, and that tranquilizers no longer suffice to treat the social and economic ills that have made some segments of the population prefer to remain on the streets and on sidewalks for days, weeks or months without returning to their homes devoid of food and drink, or because they do not need housing to begin with. It is noteworthy that those protesting in front and around the parliament are not just people who have suffered harm due to the privatization program or to state companies and factories being sold, or are from among the government employees who have turned into nearly crushed segments of society, but are also people who have been marginalized, such as people with disabilities or people who have been expelled from their lands or their homes as a result of merciless administrative measures. People in Egypt say that the government does not want to have mercy on them nor will allow God's mercy to descend upon them. They note that many of the problems that have cause anger for people were the result of hasty decisions, after which this or that official would behave obstinately and stubbornly for the mere fact that the decision was theirs and would not allow it to be departed from, in spite of the immense harm it has inflicted on people. Then when such officials would be pressured and would retract their decisions, they would expect to be thanked by those whom they have harmed. At the beginning of next June, the midterm renewal elections of the Shura Council will be held, and the image of the National Democratic Party (NDP) among people is not so good, especially as the refugees on the parliament sidewalk have turned into fertile soil for the press and for satellite television, and have become the target of political forces working to convince the Egyptian people that standing in the face of the NDP is the first step to eradicating the phenomenon of living on the streets. In the fall, the People's Assembly elections will be held, and the government usually resorts to providing services which the opposition considers to be brides to people, seeking after their votes and their favor. How will the party then promote its electoral program and its candidates, so that they may enter the house surrounded by the poor, those crushed and those sleeping on the sidewalk? The NDP is in need of alternative policies, not just to improve its image but rather to improve the living conditions of people, some of whom have suffered the worst without ever having practiced politics, even if they only sought a decent life in its simplest form.
