Egyptians think the government’s nuclear facility plans are hilarious

Published November 23rd, 2015 - 06:00 GMT
Egypt and Russia are hailing the signing of an agreement for Egypt's first nuclear facility, but citizens aren't really convinced. (AFP/File)
Egypt and Russia are hailing the signing of an agreement for Egypt's first nuclear facility, but citizens aren't really convinced. (AFP/File)

Last week, Cairo and Moscow signed an agreement to allow Russia to build a nuclear facility in Egypt—the country's first—using a Russian loan for construction. 

Russia's state-owned nuclear firm Rosatom said a finished facility was expected to erect by 2022 in Egypt's northern Dabaa region, according to a spokesperson for the firm. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi hasn't given many details about the project so far. But he did appear last week on state TV, boasting about plans for a "third-generation" plant with four reactors, the Sydney Morning Herald reported. Though he didn't give a number, he said the Russian loan would be paid off over the next 35 years. 

Obviously, this is a huge project for Egypt's government, and for Moscow. But online, everyday Egyptians are finding the idea pretty hilarious.

Egypt is entering a second round of parliamentary elections this week, but after a drastically-low turnout seen during the first round of electoral polls, the process is already wrought with challenges. That, coupled with the aftermath of the Russian plane crash in the Sinai Peninsula late last month, has sent concern for Egyptian politics—and faith in Sisi's government—sinking among citizens. 

Now in the midst of a new nuclear deal, they seems about as apathetic online as they does at the polls. Users took to Twitter to mock the impending deal and muse about what should be written on the plant's entrance sign. 

Have a look below, via Twitter.

 

 

#Write_on_nuclear_sign Closed for prayer.

This is the country that will open a nuclear reactor. 

 [Former Egyptian president] Abdul Nasser opening the nuclear reactor, Al sisi signing on opening a nuclear reactor. Same ignorance, same stupidity. 

#Write_on_nuclear_sign We will all die.

#Write_on_nuclear_sign pray for Egypt

#Write_on_nuclear_sign Congrats. We have reached the end of the world safely.

#Write_on_nuclear_sign End of Planet

#Write_on_nuclear_sign This is the end hold your breath and count to ten. (Image: Egyptian nuclear reactor)

Tags:CairoMoscowSydney Morning HeraldRosatomTwitterSisi's governmentEgypt's governmentHussein Adel FahmyAbdul NasserAbdel Fattah al-Sisi
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