Brief Summary
This video discusses the new law in Egypt concerning the eviction of residents from old properties. It highlights the implications for both property owners and tenants, emphasizing the lack of state support for displaced residents. The law allows owners to reclaim their properties within seven years, potentially displacing millions of families. The video also touches on potential solutions and the need for the state to address the housing crisis.
- New law favors property owners, allowing eviction of tenants within seven years.
- Lack of state support for displaced residents.
- Potential for mass displacement and social issues.
- Need for the state to address the housing crisis and provide solutions.
Introduction
The speaker welcomes viewers from Cairo and abroad, introducing the topic of the new law concerning the eviction of residents from their current places of residence. He states that the law to evict residents will pass without amendments, leading to the displacement of 6 million families and a complete liberalization of rental relationships.
Landlord's Victory and Tenant's Predicament
The new law grants property owners the right to reclaim their apartments without filing a lawsuit, celebrating a significant victory for them. Residents, even those who invested in their apartments, are not entitled to compensation and must prepare to move. The speaker advises residents to start arranging their belongings and searching for new places to live, pointing out the limited availability of government apartments.
Consequences and the State's Role
The landlord crisis is resolved, but a new crisis for residents begins, with an open-ended expulsion order in effect. The maximum period for residents to stay in their apartments is seven years, but violating the law's terms allows owners to evict them sooner. The speaker argues that dividing the evictions into tranches would benefit owners more by quickly returning empty apartments to them. The state is evading its role in supporting residents, focusing instead on collecting taxes from property owners.
Details of the New Law and Its Impact
The new law means that owners will get back their six million apartments within seven years, while residents will be impoverished, with the state offering no assistance. The state aims to increase its tax revenue and sell its 238,000 apartments, which are currently unwanted. The law does not provide opportunities for those who genuinely need housing, such as widows and divorcees, but it benefits tenants who sublet their apartments for profit.
Parliamentary Approval and Lack of Amendments
The law was passed in Parliament without any changes to the eviction article, despite some opposition. The speaker notes that the owners will not necessarily live in the reclaimed apartments; instead, they will be sold at auctions, leading to a shift in societal segments and displacement of many people. The state, which should have helped the residents, has chosen to support the owners instead.
Rent Increases and Potential Exploitation
The new law sets a minimum rent increase, with residential units in distinguished areas seeing an increase of at least 1,000 pounds per month. In middle areas, the increase is at least 400 pounds. The speaker warns of potential exploitation, where landlords may change locks and throw tenants' belongings into the street, a practice seen in other countries.
Apartment Sales and Injustice
The apartments will be sold, and while it is fair for owners to reclaim their properties, it is unjust for tenants who cannot afford it to be thrown into the street. The state has withdrawn its support and will not provide solutions for them. The speaker emphasizes that he is not against either owners or tenants but is simply reporting the current situation.
Lack of Compensation and State's Position
Tenants will not receive any compensation for the money they paid previously. The minister stated that any amendments to the law would be made later, but no solutions are currently available. The state has 238,000 empty apartments, but 6 million families will be displaced. The speaker argues that the owners see the tenants as unjust for not increasing the rent over the years.
Owner's Rights and Potential Social Contract
The owner has the right to evict tenants if they do not agree on the price, without needing a legal case. The law favors the owner, granting them the right to evict without exceptions. The speaker suggests that tenants try to reach a new social contract with the owner, offering respectful raises and negotiating a fair agreement.
Negotiating with Landlords and Inflation
Tenants should deal with landlords respectfully and offer raises, even if it means paying more than the minimum 1,000 pounds required by law. Negotiate a contract with a reasonable annual increase, considering the inflation rate. The speaker notes that rent increases in other countries, like Turkey, are much higher than the 15% suggested in Egypt.
Finding a Formula and Avoiding Expulsion
Tenants should try to reach a formula with landlords to avoid expulsion. Unlike Germany, which has a plan to fight inflation, Egypt's inflation calculations do not account for factors like fuel and electricity prices. The speaker advises tenants to start negotiating with landlords, as the law is now on the landlord's side.
Satisfying Landlords and Guaranteeing Stability
Tenants who can afford to pay more should try to satisfy the landlord within the seven-year framework. Offer to float the relationship and write a contract that guarantees a stable living situation. The speaker suggests starting with a higher rent and agreeing on an annual increase to ensure both parties are satisfied.
Government's Stance and Lack of Options
The government has issued the law and will not discuss the issue further, marking the end of available treatment. The six million families will leave their homes, and the six million owners will get their homes back. The speaker criticizes the state for not providing solutions for those who cannot afford to live, suggesting they will end up in tents.
Migration and Lack of Support
The speaker criticizes the government for bringing in refugees while displacing Egyptian citizens. He argues that the state should have defined an item to support pensioners and those unable to afford housing. The speaker predicts a forced migration of Egyptians and laments the lack of support and conditions for those in need.
State's Inaction and Missed Opportunities
The state has everything needed to assess the condition of families, including electricity and water connections and salary components. The speaker argues that the state should have immediately returned empty apartments and those of wealthy owners to address the housing crisis. He criticizes the law for treating everyone the same, regardless of their financial situation.
Unjust Law and Societal Impact
The owner's problem has been solved, but the tenant's problem remains. The state's stance is to let tenants manage themselves for seven years. The speaker believes the law is extremely unjust and portrays landlords as wolves preying on the poor. He argues that the state should have taken care of these people and provided them with housing.
Returning Apartments and Solving the Housing Problem
The speaker suggests that the state should have returned a million apartments to the owners immediately, dividing the remaining five million based on need. He argues that tenants with high incomes should not receive the same consideration as those who are struggling. By reclaiming and renting out these apartments, the state could solve the housing problem for a million families.
Prioritizing Deserving Tenants and Addressing the Housing Crisis
The speaker suggests prioritizing deserving tenants and providing them with support. He criticizes the law for treating everyone the same, regardless of their income or circumstances. The speaker argues that the state should provide alternative apartments or financial support to help tenants afford the increased rent.
Lack of Intelligence and Unjust Law
The speaker criticizes the law for its lack of intelligence and for not addressing the needs of the most vulnerable tenants. He argues that the law is one-eyed and treats everyone the same, regardless of their financial situation. The speaker emphasizes that the law is an eviction law and will result in the displacement of many people.
State's Role and Missed Opportunities
The state should have used its resources to take care of those in need, rather than portraying landlords as predators. The speaker argues that the state should have returned a million apartments and provided support to tenants who cannot afford the increased rent. He criticizes the state for not announcing specific specifications for the 238,000 apartments and for not including those in need.
Final Thoughts and Conclusion
The speaker reiterates that the law is effective and cannot be changed. He believes the law is biased towards the owner and unjust to the tenant. The speaker suggests that the state could solve the housing problem by liberating a million apartments and offering them for rent. He concludes by expressing his frustration with the state's inaction and lack of solutions.
