On Sunday, the Civil Democratic Movement announced the launch of a campaign “to defend the Suez Canal,” explaining, in a statement, that the primary goal of the campaign is to withdraw the Suez Canal Fund draft law that was approved in principle by the House of Representatives last Monday, and is awaiting final approval.

The Popular Alliance Party hosted a meeting to launch the campaign, with the participation of other parties and organizations. The head of the Popular Alliance Party, Medhat Al-Zahed, said that parties outside the Civil Democratic Movement would participate in the campaign, including the Wafd Party and the Tagammu’ Party, and senior political figures, including former presidential candidate Hamdeen Sabahi.

The House of Representatives has approved a draft law to establish a fund owned by the Suez Canal Authority to increase its ability to contribute to the economic development of the canal, according to government statements. MPs criticized the government-proposed draft law, saying it would place new burdens on the country. Representative Maha Abdel Nasser said the draft law would negatively affect the Suez Canal. Abdel Nasser also called for the appearance of Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly before the House of Representatives to clarify the actual economic situation of the country. Representative Muhammad Abdel-Alim Daoud said that the aim of the draft law is privatization. Representatives Ehab Mansour, Atef Maghawry, and Ahmed Farghali rejected the draft law.