📈 Ali Sabry Critiques Repeal of MP Pensions

Former Finance Minister Ali Sabry has criticized the Government's move to abolish pension entitlements for former Members of Parliament, labeling it a "populist" decision with "negligible" economic impact. • Overall Assessment: Sabry argues the move will not fix the economy, reduce the deficit, or improve public services. He contends the decision is driven by political optics rather than genuine fiscal reform. • Social Consequences: He warned the abolition punishes legislators who did not enrich themselves in office and relied on the pension for a dignified retirement. • Political Inclusion: Sabry cautioned that removing these benefits risks reserving politics only for the "ultra-rich" or those with inherited wealth, potentially discouraging talented, independent citizens from public life and public service. • Proposed Alternative: Rather than a blanket repeal, he suggested making the pension optional and subject to scrutiny for those in genuine financial hardship. • Provisional Status: The Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill was presented for its First Reading on January 7, 2026. If passed, it will apply only to future entitlements; pensions already being received will not be affected.