19/07/2025
There is something in management called “optics”—in Arabic, “البصريات”… In other words, you might be upset, for example, but your presence in a loud or festive environment could give others the wrong impression that you’re fine, unaffected, and even happy.
Does the principle of “optics” apply to governments the same way it does to individuals? The answer: absolutely yes.In light of the many disasters that have occurred in recent days—chief among them the Ramses Central fire and the tragic crash on the Regional Road that claimed the lives of 19 girls, and sadly wasn’t the last—it is highly inappropriate for the government to appear as though it’s vacationing in Alamein. It’s shameful.There must be an immediate decision to change this impression. All ministers should return to work from Cairo. All summer events should be canceled this year. We need to roll up our sleeves and get back to work—from our offices and from the streets. It’s disgraceful that lives are being lost in dozens on the roads, that a massive fire breaks out in one of the largest buildings in central Cairo, while officials are seen in plush chairs in seaside meeting rooms.This is Management abc“optics.” That is, if anyone truly understands… if, that is!