Egypt gives 15% raise to state employees

EGYPT’S embattled regime yesterday announced a 15% raise for government employees in an attempt to shore up its base and defuse popular anger amid ongoing protests demanding President Hosni Mubarak’s ouster.

The cabinet decision follows earlier promises to investigate election fraud and official corruption as well as an announcement that a detained Google executive, who was one of the most prominent youth organisers, would be released later last night.

Wael Ghonim, a marketing manager for the internet company, was seized by security agents on January 28, three days after the crisis erupted.