My email to the CEO of Siemens in Egypt:
Emad.Ghaly@Siemens.com
Dear Mr. Ghaly,
Egypt is denied half the energy its land produces because the existing contracts with foreign energy companies entitles them to 50% of what they extract from the country. This has left Egypt with chronic energy shortages. Those shortages have created business opportunities for Siemens, indeed, because of the sabotage of Egypt’s energy capacity, Siemens was awarded its biggest contract ever for building power plants in the country to “boost” Egypt’s deliberately crippled power generation capabilities.
Furthermore, Siemens is ensured maximum profitability by the phasing out of energy subsidies, which will increase the cost of energy for the Egyptian people.
The manufactured energy shortages in Egypt left the country in debt to foreign energy companies, which caused a drain on Egypt’s foreign currency reserves; this currency crisis has forced the devaluation of the Egyptian Pound, and pushed Egypt to request a massive loan from the IMF, which in turn, will subject Egypt to severe Austerity measures that will increase the poverty and suffering of the population.
Siemens is one of the most powerful companies in the world, and it has been working in Egypt for over a century. If the IMF loan proceeds and the Austerity program continues, you should know that the revolutionary movement will hold companies like yours responsible for the tyranny and suffering the people of Egypt are made to endure for the sake of your shareholders.
The Egyptian people deserve to have Siemens as an ally, not an occupier collaborating with an anti-democratic regime that seized power by force. Siemens should align itself with the will and aspirations of the population, not only because it is right, but also because this will be the only way your company will be allowed to continue operating in Egypt. Profitability is contingent upon justice. Siemens should stand with the Egyptian people against the IMF loan and its Austerity program, and use its influence in support of democracy; if not, expect the revolution to identify your company as an enemy of the people.
Respectfully,,
Shahid King Bolsen