Brief Summary
This YouTube video discusses the increasing inaccessibility of beaches for average Egyptians due to privatization and rising costs, alongside broader economic issues affecting their quality of life. The speaker highlights the constitutional right to enjoy the natural environment, criticizes government policies that prioritize investment over public access, and shares personal stories illustrating the financial strain on families. Additionally, the video touches on the rising prices of essential goods like fruits and vegetables, reflecting a broader trend of inflation and economic hardship.
- Privatization and rising costs make beaches inaccessible for average Egyptians.
- Government policies prioritize investment over public access.
- Rising prices of essential goods reflect broader economic hardship.
Introduction
The speaker starts by highlighting the tradition of Egyptians enjoying beaches, regardless of their economic status. He then poses questions about the disappearance of free beaches, the affordability of existing ones, and the decline in vacationing among Egyptians. The speaker attributes these issues to rising prices and policies that have diminished people's purchasing power, effectively making leisure a forbidden luxury.
The Problem of Privatized Beaches
The core issue is the selling and privatization of beaches, which reduces the number of free public spaces. The speaker emphasizes that access to the sea should be a right for all citizens, not a luxury. He contrasts this with practices in other countries where beaches are free, promenades are open to the public, and the view of the sea is considered a shared heritage.
Examples and Personal Stories
The speaker provides examples of how some establishments in Hurghada maintain a balance by offering both paid and free beach access. He shares stories of Egyptians struggling to afford beach outings, including one about a man from Minya who had to pay a significant amount for his family to access a beach in Alexandria. These anecdotes highlight the economic barriers preventing ordinary citizens from enjoying basic recreational activities.
Government Policies and Their Impact
The discussion shifts to government policies that allocate open spaces on beaches to cafes and restaurants, further reducing public access. The speaker contrasts this with practices in other countries where government-affiliated establishments offer affordable options, ensuring that leisure remains accessible. He criticizes the lack of adequate facilities, such as changing rooms, on the beaches and questions the logic behind decisions that deprive people of their right to enjoy the sea.
Constitutional Rights and Social Justice
The speaker introduces a legal perspective, citing Dr. Mohamed Abdel Salam, who argues that allocating public beaches to investors violates the constitution and social justice. He quotes Article 46 of the Egyptian Constitution, which guarantees every person the right to enjoy the natural environment. The speaker criticizes local administrations for evading judicial precedents by changing the names of beaches to justify charging fees.
Economic Hardships and Rising Costs
The video addresses the broader economic challenges facing Egyptians, including rising prices of essential goods like fruits and vegetables. The speaker notes that fruit, once a staple in Egyptian homes, has become a luxury for many. He shares findings from a market tour, detailing the high costs of grapes, apricots, peaches, and mangoes, and contrasts this with the past when these items were more affordable and abundant.
Solutions and Alternatives
The speaker offers suggestions for alternative vacation options, such as renting apartments in Hurghada, which can be more affordable than traditional resorts. He emphasizes the need for officials to consider alternatives and ensure that people have access to recreational activities. The speaker also touches on the potential for planting fruit-bearing trees along streets to provide accessible food sources for the public.
Social and Psychological Impact
The speaker underscores the importance of leisure and recreation for mental and emotional well-being. He argues that depriving people of access to nature and relaxation exacerbates feelings of marginalization and social anger. The speaker suggests that developed countries finance beach maintenance for the poor through tourism taxes, advocating for a similar approach in Egypt.
