Role of Interest Groups in Making Egyptian Economic Policy During the Period (1991-2021) (Arabic)

The study examines the role of interest groups in the process of economic policy making in Egypt over the past thirty years, 1991 to 2021, with a focus on the role of the Egyptian Businessmen Association (EBA) and trade unions. These two groups had a tangible role in the process of economic policy making. The study shows that the role of interest groups varies over time from one period to another, according to the nature of these groups and the impact of the surrounding political, social and economic environment. It shows that the role of trade unions increased in the last decade of the rule of former President Hosni Mubarak, when some business groups sought to realize their own economic interests. In the period following the January 2011 revolution up till 2021, the activities of trade unions were characterized by relative stability, and less labor protests.
With regard to the role of business groups, the study shows a noticeable change, since it is no longer dominated by personal interests. The current Egyptian regime has only allowed a balanced role for these groups in making economic decisions, just to serve the overall interest of the country. It is noted that an important development occurred on the political scene with the return of some businessmen, affiliated with the regime of the late President Mubarak, to the political life, after winning the 2020 parliamentary elections.
The paper is divided into several chapters. In addition to the introduction and conclusion, the chapters covered definition of economic policy, the stages of making economic policy, the most important Egyptian interest groups, and the role of the Egyptian Businessmen Association and trade unions in the making of the Egyptian economic policy.