Egypt’s political landscape is bracing for a dramatic transformation, as prominent journalist Mustafa Bakry announced that a sweeping government reshuffle is imminent, with as much as 80% of ministers set to be replaced. This revelation comes on the heels of a tense week marked by both political intrigue and a major public incident that captured the nation’s attention.
According to Bakry, who spoke on his widely watched program "Facts and Secrets" on Sada El-Balad TV, the government is preparing for significant changes following the opening session of the House of Representatives. Bakry, known for his close connections to the corridors of power, stated, "There are important decisions that will be made in the coming period regarding the government, and President Sisi is aware of the public’s frustration with some officials who are not performing their duties." He described the president as highly engaged, noting, "President Sisi wakes up at five or six in the morning, calls ministers, and holds two or three meetings a day."
The timing of these revelations is particularly striking, given the backdrop of heightened public tension after a dramatic incident at a critical site between Egypt’s western and eastern neighborhoods. On January 15, 2026, a catastrophic tower collapse led to intense clashes between the public and security forces. According to the Ministry of Interior, whose spokesperson Mediterem confirmed the details, the accident site quickly became a flashpoint. Emergency services rushed to the scene, launching rescue operations amid chaos as protesters and security forces clashed. Security forces deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd after some protesters attacked, and about thirty individuals were arrested for inciting disorder at the scene.
The Ministry of Interior’s response was swift and highly publicized, with the incident and subsequent actions broadcast across ON channel at multiple intervals throughout the day—7:30 PM, 2 PM, and 10 AM—with additional coverage on ON Drama and the Watch It digital platform. The ministry also convened a committee of experts, including figures such as Yasmina Abdel, Gala Hesham, Yousif Raft, Ziad Zaha, Omnia Bahi, Danya Wael, Akhron, and the author Mohamed Sadeq, to investigate the accident and its aftermath. The committee’s diverse makeup reflects the government’s attempt to project transparency and thoroughness in the face of public scrutiny.
While the nation’s focus was gripped by the unfolding tragedy and its repercussions, Bakry’s statements about the government reshuffle quickly gained traction. He outlined two possible scenarios: "Either the government will remain with its current prime minister, or there will be a comprehensive change." During his appearance in parliament, Bakry noted, "I heard the Speaker of the House say that sessions are postponed indefinitely, which means that a significant event is imminent."
The sense of anticipation was palpable. Bakry suggested that the event in question would likely be the reshuffling of the cabinet. He acknowledged that some media figures advocated for the prime minister to remain, given his tenure since 2018, but others argued that "positions are not eternal, and enthusiasm wanes over time." Bakry emphasized, "What prevents a change? This is not a criticism of specific individuals, but a recognition that renewal is sometimes necessary."
He further elaborated, "I know that the president is not unaware of these perspectives, and I believe the president will make the decision. A large number of ministers will leave, and 80% of the cabinet will be changed." Bakry revealed that strict instructions had been issued to all ministers, prohibiting any public statements to the media during this sensitive period. He added, "All interviews with ministers were completed three weeks ago," underlining the secrecy and planning behind the scenes.
According to Bakry, some ministers had already been informed of their impending departure, and the cabinet had not convened for its regular meeting that week. "All options are on the table," he concluded, leaving viewers and political insiders alike speculating about the exact scope and timing of the changes.
The government, for its part, has not yet announced an official date for the reshuffle. Bakry indicated that while the president and cabinet would remain stable during the transition, the comprehensive shake-up was expected to unfold over the next two years. The move is widely seen as a response to mounting political pressures and the need to restore public confidence following recent developments, including the high-profile accident and the government’s handling of the crisis.
Observers note that the political situation has been brewing since 2018, with calls for reform intensifying in recent months. The expectation is that the reshuffle, once formally announced, will set a new course for the administration and signal President Sisi’s intent to address both public dissatisfaction and the demands of a changing political climate.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior continues its investigation into the tower collapse, with the expert committee delving into the causes and consequences. The presence of well-known figures such as Yasmina Abdel and Mohamed Sadeq on the committee has been interpreted by some as an effort to ensure credibility and restore faith in the authorities’ commitment to accountability.
The events of January 15 have thus become a focal point for broader national debates—about safety, governance, and the responsiveness of public officials. The government’s handling of the crisis, combined with the impending reshuffle, is being watched closely by citizens and analysts alike. Many Egyptians are hoping that these changes will mark the beginning of a more dynamic and effective era in public administration, one that can better meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving society.
As the country awaits the official announcement of the new cabinet, speculation and discussion continue to swirl. For now, the only certainty is that Egypt is on the cusp of significant change, with both the government and the public bracing for what comes next.
