As Egypt embarks on a new chapter in its history, many anticipate the first free and fair presidential election will mark the success of the country’s transition to democracy. The surge of political activism, newly formed parties, and onetime opposition leaders turned presidential candidates, has brought to life Egypt’s once paralyzed political scene.
Amr Moussa, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Arab League Secretary-General, described the Egyptian revolution as a “wake-up call” that finally allowed Egyptians to experience some degree of democracy.
Moussa was invited to AUC on April 9 by the Leadership for Education and Development Program (LEAD) to be a guest speaker for their “Political Awareness Campaign.”
He criticized the imperfections present in Egypt’s political and financial systems, culminating in administrative and financial corruption that did not spare any city or governorate in Egypt.
This extensive corruption held back Egypt’s political and economic development; removing the corruptive impact is possible though the amendment of laws.
“I believe that it is the main responsibility of Egypt’s future president to review and modify current laws in the country for the sake of getting rid of corruption,” he said.
Moussa explained that the present Egyptian laws are the cause of decline in Egypt’s development, and the instigation of injustice amongst Egyptians.
Of suggested solutions to enable economic recovery after the January 25 revolution, a free economy was one.
According to Moussa, a free economy is what the Egyptian people need at this critical time.
Moussa’s plan comprised of reviving small-business and local projects that are often run by craftsmen and artisans, who barely make a living in today’s Egypt.
“It is vital to promote local businesses that are run by creative craftsmen so that we can limit unemployment. It is also important to devote all our resources to fight poverty which plagues 50% of the population,” Moussa said.
Moussa touched on the possibility of an agreement between Egypt, North America, Asian, and European Union (E.U) countries to invest money in Egypt’s stock exchange market and tourism.
He predicted the success of such a potential agreement, emphasizing Egypt’s leading role in shaping world politics and economies.
An audience member asked Moussa a question about the Arab League’s passivity towards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Moussa replied, “This is not true! The Arab League served the Palestinian cause with so much care. I advise all students to read more about the Arab League before criticizing it.”
As for the upcoming presidential elections in Egypt, Moussa urged all political parties, presidential candidates, the youth coalition and the presidential council to hold a forum to discuss a new constitution that represents all Egyptians, hence, cord national agreement.
He said that all parties must put at the forefront solutions for Egypt’s current problems, and encouraged cooperation and compromise.
Moussa additionally discussed the current situation in Libya, Egypt’s gas export agreement with Israel, and his ties to the old Egyptian regime.
Moussa is an Egyptian diplomat who began his political career in 1957. He served as Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1991 to 2001.
In an embrace of this new phase of political freedom, the AUC community welcomed several candidates on its campuses to present their presidential plans. The events were hosted by the Cairo International Model Arab League (CIMAL), in a series called “Al Shaab Yureed an Ya’raf Al Ra’es” [The People Need to Know the President], while Amr Moussa was invited by the Leadership for Education and Development Program (LEAD).
