The President of the Egyptian Chamber of Food Industries Tareq Tawfiq called for a broad social dialogue on presidential term limits in Egypt, arguing that Egypt is entering a new stage in history that is at odds with the concept of an absolutist presidency.
Tawfiq made the remarks in a press conference Wednesday in response to questions from investors and business organizations asking about upcoming parliamentary and presidential elections, as well as demands for constitutional reform.
"It was acceptable that presidential term limits were not enacted immediately after the July Revolution because the nation’s security was the most critical issue at the time. However, Egyptian society has developed and we must seriously review the matter," he said, adding, "What existed in the past is not appropriate for the future."
Tawfiq, who is considered a prominent member of the Agricultural Commission of the National Democratic Party, noted that a number of labor organizations including the Young Businessmen’s Association and the Egyptian Chamber of Food Industries, have adopted the concept of a rotating presidency with a one-term limit written into their by-laws. This is the same idea that Safwan Thabet was promoting in his bid for the presidency of 6th of October Investors’ Association, he added.
On other subjects, Tawfiq said importing meat to Egypt makes more sense than reviving veal production to confront rising prices of local meat. Egypt does not have the necessary characteristics for meat production due to its dependence on imported fodder and the limited land available for cultivating clover, which comes at the expense of other crops, he explained.
It is possible for Egypt to rely upon fish production as a way of increasing the protein content in the average Egyptian’s diet, rather than attempting to lower the price of meat, he said.
Tawfiq also said it is unnecessary for Egypt to achieve self-sufficiency in wheat production, but that a surplus in food production overall would free up the necessary resources, so essential commodities could be imported.
Translated from the Arabic Edition.
