Egypt’s bread crisis

The bread crisis is having an impact on millions of Egyptians. This textile factory worker says his salary is staying the same while the cost of living is rising. Two out of every five Egyptians live near the poverty line and make ends meet only because of government-subsidized bread, which is just one cent per loaf. But government bakeries haven’t been able to meet the needs of Egyptians. The bread crisis is due to several factors: higher costs of wheat globally, bakers who sell the subsidized wheat on the black market, and inflation. The pressure has called long lines and increased tensions. Fights have broken out in line and at least seven people have died. The President has even ordered the military to bake bread for consumers. The government claims to now have the situation under control. the government is worried that social unrest could lead to political revolt. Many here remember bread riots in 1977 when several were killed. The rising cost of living has led to strikes in Egypt. This professor says there are between 600 and 700 strikes in Egypt, an unprecedented number for the country.