PM Nazif is following Comrade Mostafa’s blog! The Daily News Egypt reports:
Egypt’s blogging community was stupefied to find a comment by Prime Minister Ahmad Nazif on a blog known for its opposition to the government.
One of the most heavily-criticized government officials in the blogsphere, Nazif confirmed that it was indeed he who posted the comment on “Ala Esm Masr” (In Egypt’s Name), a blog with a noticeably socialist tone run by Mustafa Mahmoud.
Since the post appeared on Aug. 5, the blog has witnessed an unprecedented level of activity.
In his comment, Prime Minister Nazif lauded the dialogue between youth in the blogosphere and the way they freely express their opinions on the political and economic issues facing Egypt.
“Opinions raised in the blogs can be useful in directing the country’s general policies [and] that is what encouraged me to follow and participate with you,” he said.
“You and your colleagues represent…a promising future with more democracy,” he added, addressing the writer of the blog.
Readers of the blog were stunned to find Nazif’s comment, and many were skeptical of the true identity of the person who made it.
One commenter who called themselves Gabhet El-Tahyees El-Sha’biya (The Public Nonsense Front) asked for proof that the comment was actually made by the prime minister. On the other hand, “anonymous” said that the writing style of the PM’s comment is similar to the one used by government officials, expressing satisfaction that their voices are being heard by the government.
Nazif confirmed his participation in the online discussion to Al-Masry Al-Youm, saying that he wanted to “clarify misunderstandings.”