The Freedom and Justice Party has introduced itself to the people in its first popular conference held in Cairo.
The Muslim Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice Party chose the heart of Boulac Aboul-Ela, a rundown downtown district in Cairo, to hold its first-ever popular conference where figures of the Islamic group gave a snapshot of their objectives, ambitions and views late Friday.
Improving the standard of living of the poor was underlined as one of the party’s priorities during the conference, which was described as a “celebration of the Freedom and Justice’s presence in the street”.
The event took place a few weeks ahead of anticipated parliamentary elections due next month.
Party member Amr Khedr outlined part of the Freedom and Justice Party’s vision to help underprivileged people.
“We are looking to realise three goals: unemployment benefits to help those who cannot find jobs; medical insurance for everyone; and much better education.”
Other goals to serve the same purpose, such as reviewing wages, were listed under the social programme of the Freedom and Justice Party on handouts about the party. Under the economic programme of the party, conditions on foreign aid are completely refused.
Mohamed El-Beltagi, one of the party’s secretary generals and a Muslim Brotherhood icon, was the first to speak to the hundreds of local residents who attended the conference held on the street.
The former parliamentarian started to speak after a famous video of him defending the rights of the poor during a parliamentary session was played and met with applause.