Defense Minister Mohamed Zaki’s speech during the Egypt Defense Expo (EDEX) dominated the airwaves last night, as the nation’s talking heads discussed the importance of the conference within the region’s larger geopolitical climate. The presidential election and the surging price of sugar also got attention.

Zaki emphasized the importance of strong military deterrence amid regional instability: Ala Mas’ouleety’s Ahmed Moussa showed highlights from Zaki’s speech, where he emphasized the important role Egypt’s military plays in the region amid the violence in Gaza, saying that “only the powerful have the ability to maintain peace” (watch: runtime, 13:44). He also claimed that the ultimate goal of the military campaign in Gaza is to liquidate the Palestinian cause, and that “the current world has no place for the weak.” Moussa, as well as Al Hayah Al Youm’s Lobna Asal (watch: runtime, 3:20), both reiterated the message, emphasizing the need for military strength amid rising instability.

Interview with a presidential candidate: Kelma Akhira’s Lamees El Hadidi invited presidential candidate Hazem Omar onto the show to discuss his plan for the economy (watch: runtime, 6:31). Omar said he would eliminate the massive difference between the official and parallel market rates and argued for a flexible exchange rate within a 5% limit. Where does he get the FX to do so? Debt exchange agreements with other nations. He also implied that enhancing Egypt’s human rights record would put us in a more favorable position with international financial institutions like the IMF.

Sugar crisis? Never happened, Holding Company for Food Industries CEO Adel Rushdi told Amr Adib. Rushdi claimed that his company singlehandedly pumps 400 tons of sugar per day for a price of EGP 27 per kilo, negating any claims that there is a crisis at all. “You can’t stop sugar smugglers, you can’t stop those who store it, and you can’t stop those who sell it for EGP 50. It’s supply and demand,” Adib asserted (watch: runtime, 2:39).

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