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How Egypt's state TV is trying to soothe popular anger

Egyptian state TV is running political advertisements in the hope of spreading optimism among citizens, but some argue the ads are meant to promote a second term for President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

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A still from the film "Egypt at Two Years," broadcast around the two-year anniversary of Sisi assuming the presidency, shows an aerial view of a section of the new Suez Canal. — YOUTUBE/Abdelfattah Elsisi

Egypt’s state broadcaster is attempting to confront an uptick in popular anger, which primarily stems from rising prices. A series of TV ads have been designed to promote the accomplishments of both the government and President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi over the last three years.

These ads, which are broadcast on a daily basis, have included snapshots of national projects such as the new Suez Canal. They have also highlighted images of the crises that the average Egyptian has had to overcome, such as the long lines to buy bread or the sudden cuts in electricity. They also note the return of security and stability to the streets.

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