By Alex Readman –
O Egyptians, In January 25, 2011, when you wanted to change the world, you did. When you want something, you always do it.
President Sisi
January 11th 2014 (prior to his presidency)
Promising religious plurality, government accountability, liberal economic reform and the preservation of a democratic community, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi rose to the Egyptian Presidency on the back of a surge of support and high hopes for the future of Egypt. Four years on, it is plain to see that the promises of the al-Sisi regime are far from followed through.
The rise of President Sisi was marred in political turmoil and division. After the ousting of Hosni Mubarak during the 2011 Arab Spring, Mohamed Morsi came to power on the back of the powerful Muslim Brotherhood in the first democratic elections in the nation’s history. It was not to last as growing political dissatisfaction with economic conditions and secular divisions within the Egyptian community culminated in the coup d’état on the 3rd of July 2013. The military, taking control, installed their own interim government with the then Minister of Defence Sisi proving to be a popular icon within the existing power structure. With a broad support base calling for his nomination both within the government and outside, Sisi was elected to the presidency in 2014.
After four years economic prosperity remains subpar with inflation doubling between 2016 and 2017, over a quarter of all Egyptians living below the poverty line and the government calling in IMF loans to supplement falling government revenue. Security remains a pressing concern with the eastern Sinai Peninsula region continuing to face extremist insurgency and attacks. International rights groups have further condemned the growing level of political oppression with many NGO’s citing the arrest of political rival Sami Anan preceding the 2018 Election, leaving no credible opposition to challenge Sisi at the ballot box.
Despite all the political drama, rampant economic downturn, pressing security flaws and democratic subjugation remarkably, many Egyptians remain optimistic and diligently support the President. It would appear that Sisi has made himself a man of the people and distinct from the politician types that formally occupied the Heliopolis Palace.
Since the beginning of his Presidency, Sisi has instituted a civic engagement program and lead by example in many ways. In his first days as President he competed in a bike race and called on Egyptians to ride to work to cut down on government fuel subsidies. He has continually worked to lead a lifestyle reflecting the needs of the state, committing half his salary to be paid back to the government and calling on other politicians and business leaders to do the same. He continues to enjoy a base of support that would rather see him live out his term and hope for the best than put up with even more political change.
Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has made himself out to be a disciplined man of conviction and nationalism. His personality continues to drive support despite worsening conditions within Egypt. Though he still maintains support from the electorate, the bureaucracy and military, public dissatisfaction appear to be growing with many not as willing to wait out the Presidential term as much as others.
