By: Ayman Saleh
In recent years, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s messages to the media have emerged as an integral part of the state’s strategy for addressing economic challenges, raising public awareness, and involving citizens in understanding the path of reforms. These messages were not mere passing statements; they represented a media roadmap with clear economic objectives, reflecting the political leadership’s awareness of the vital role of media in building both domestic and international confidence in the Egyptian economy.
Media… A Partner in Development
Since assuming the presidency, El-Sisi has been keen to emphasize that the media is not merely a transmitter of news, but a core partner in the development process. This vision is evident in his repeated calls for journalists to ensure accuracy, present facts supported by data, and combat rumors that could affect markets or investor confidence.
In an economy that is highly sensitive to public sentiment, accurate information becomes a tool for stability, while misleading news can turn into an economic time bomb. From the President’s perspective, the role of the media is to act as the first line of defense against misinformation, and as a means to explain policies and reforms in simple language that citizens can understand.
Reassurance Messages to the Markets
The President’s recent speeches—particularly amid global volatility—have carried clear messages of reassurance to markets and investors. He repeatedly affirms that the state is implementing well-studied plans to protect the most vulnerable groups, maintain currency market stability, and attract foreign investments. When conveyed by the media in a balanced manner, such messages help ease market concerns that could otherwise prompt investors to freeze decisions or drive citizens toward currency or gold speculation.
Transparency… The Foundation of Credibility
One of the central points in the President’s message to the media is the call for transparency. Acknowledging economic challenges is no less important than highlighting achievements, as ignoring difficulties can undermine the credibility of media discourse. El-Sisi believes that strong media is one that balances the presentation of positive figures with explaining the causes of problems and the solutions in place. This balance fosters mutual trust between the state and society, and encourages patience and participation in bearing the burdens of reform.
Enhancing Egypt’s Image Abroad
The impact of the President’s messages is not confined to the domestic front; it extends abroad, where investors and international decision-makers follow the political leadership’s statements to gauge the direction of the economy. When the President delivers a coherent speech and affirms the stability of economic policies, he sends a signal of reassurance to global markets, strengthening Egypt’s image as a promising investment destination despite global challenges. The media here acts as the window that conveys these messages in multiple languages and styles, reaching international economic channels, investors, and multinational companies.
The Challenge Before the Media
However, for these messages to achieve their objectives, Egyptian media must develop its tools and train its professionals to simplify economic information and use in-depth data and analysis, rather than relying on slogans. It must also adopt a proactive approach in countering rumors, instead of merely clarifying after misinformation spreads.
The media’s success in this role will not only contribute to economic stability but will also strengthen citizens’ trust in institutions and limit the space for targeted campaigns against the state.
In conclusion, President El-Sisi’s messages to the media represent an open invitation to build a genuine partnership between the state and the media in service of the national economy. They are messages that combine reassurance and transparency, and call for professionalism and responsibility. If the media succeeds in adopting this approach, it will become a driving force for economic reform efforts and a protective shield against attempts to undermine confidence, both domestically and internationally.
