CAIRO, Aug 5 (Aswat Masriya) - President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi repeated in stronger words than usual his call on Egyptians to contribute to the Tahya Misr (Long Live Egypt) fund on Tuesday.

Speaking at a ceremony to launch a new mega project in the Suez Canal area, Sisi said: “You will pay means you will pay [for the fund].” 

The president said he will keep reiterating his call for contributing to the fund, adding that Egyptians are “embarrassing” him by not being responsive enough.

The presidency officially launched an initiative on July 1 to encourage Egyptians to donate money to the Tahya Misr fund. The fund was established to provide an additional source of funding for public projects other than the state budget.

Sisi said the Tahya Misr (Long Live Egypt) fund needs at least 100 billion Egyptian pounds “on the side.” 

The president said that Egypt’s economy needs Egyptians’ efforts, as well as Arab and foreign investment in order to survive. 

“Egypt is like a family which needs 5000 Egyptian pounds to survive yet is only provided with 150 Egyptian pounds,” Sisi said. “Our only two options are: to receive loans and remain in debt, or rely on the state budget. Our state budget cannot bear such expenses.”

Sisi has introduced a set of austerity measures since he became president in June. In July, the government reduced petroleum subsidies and introduced new taxes.

Before issuing the state budget for the 2014/15 fiscal year, Sisi had it amended to reduce the expected budget deficit from 12 percent to 10 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The president announced in June he would only take half of his official salary and give up half of his personal wealth to Egypt, stressing that Egypt’s economic situation requires some sacrifices.