I Still Hope it Succeeds

Two weeks ago, I wrote an article in this same space titled "I Hope the trial Succeeds." I truly wished the trial of closing shops at 9:00 PM succeeds, and wished for the month-long period decided by the Prime Minister to continue as planned—even with the three-day exception. However, I was surprised to find it extended until the end of the month.

Well, over the past two weeks, I have supported the Prime Minister’s decision for several reasons.

The Economic Factor: Saving energy for both the state and the citizens.

Discipline and Productivity: This system is applied in European countries; it fosters commitment, ensuring people go to work early and energized.

The Social Aspect: Beyond economics, it "gathers" the family at home.

I am aware that global prices have begun to stabilize and may even decline, but this does not mean Cairo should return to its previous clamor and Staying up late. We have started to see families gathering at home again, something we had long missed. Children have begun returning by 9:00 PM, committing to their studies and interacting with their families.

The entire world has cafes, restaurants, and entertainment venues, but they also have "Order." They close at 8:00 PM, yet people there do not feel deprived; instead, they feel the value of private time and family time. Why do we insist on our streets staying awake until dawn?

We fully appreciate the efforts of President Sisi and the government in trying to navigate us through this grueling global crisis. The state bears a heavy burden to secure commodities and protect the most vulnerable groups amidst wars we have no part in—wars that have driven up prices and left the entire world in a state of confusion.

From this perspective, the decision to close shops was a "masterstroke" because it hits several targets at once:

It saves resources economically.

It encourages people to start their workday early.

It reunites the family and revitalizes social bonds.

It saves families from the constant drain of cafes and malls—expenses that add to many people pressures they already face.

I had hoped that psychologists, economists, and sociologists would weigh in and explain to us the impact of this decision on the family and the work system in Egypt.