Egypt Moves towards Democracy: The Revolution in Cairo Has Put a Strain on Public Finances and Slowed Foreign Investment. Electing a New Government in Favour of Social and Economic Change Will Be Key to Stabilising the Economy

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As 2010 drew to a close, the main political talking point in Egypt was whether 82-year-old Hosni Mubarak or his son Gamal would stand in the presidential elections scheduled for September 2011.

But within weeks of the new year beginning, the country's political landscape was unexpectedly redrawn. Mubarak, president for more than 30 years, was swept from office following 18 days of anti-government demonstrations and is now being investigated for corruption and abuse of power. The oppressive state regime has been dismantled and Egyptians have taken their first steps towards democracy with a referendum on constitutional reform.

Economic strain

But for all the positive outcomes of the revolution, the impact on the economy in the short-term has been …