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On the 30th of June 2012, Mohamed Morsi became the first democratically elected president of Egypt. Coming to power on the heels of the Arab Spring and the ousting of Hosni Mubarak, a dictator for almost 30 years, Morsi promised a ‘new Egypt’ – and many believed him. Affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood, it was also a victory for the political party, who remained sidelined before the Arab Spring; and despite Morsi’s Islamist leanings, his election proved popular and prompted congratulations from both East and West.

However, what seemed to be the beginning of a new democratic Egypt post-Arab Spring, turned into something potentially much uglier last Thursday. The day after the Israel-Hamas ceasefire came into effect, which Morsi was instrumental in brokering and received must international praise for, Egypt’s first democratically elected president decided to give himself dictator-like powers, reminiscent of Mubarak. Morsi’s spokesperson, Yasser Ali, declared Thursday on television that ‘the president can issue any decision or measure to protect the revolution […] The constitutional declarations, decisions and laws issued by the president are final and not subject to appeal.’ So why did Morsi do this and what does it mean for the most influential country in the region?
Alleging that his decree that ended judicial independence and opposition to his rulings was required to ‘fulfill the revolution’, Morsi emphasized the temporary nature of the measure. Nevertheless, hundreds have begun protesting again in Tahrir Square, with liberal opponent and former UN nuclear chief Mohamed ElBaradei likening Morsi to Egypt’s new ‘Pharaoh’; meanwhile, the stock market plunged and the judiciary is in upheaval. The liberal opposition to Morsi however, is heavily divided and weak, making real challenges against this decree difficult, requiring a strong and united resistance. Without fierce opposition, Morsi may get away with this strategic post-ceasefire grab for power, attempting a classic over-reach while enjoying approval from the US, internal support and a billion dollar loan from the IMF. The result of faltering before Morsi may be increased political polarization and paralysis, economic turmoil, increased suspicion of the Muslim Brotherhood and an upsurge in violence.
But, maybe, Morsi is telling the truth that the revolution needs preserving, albeit through a very odd and suspicious move. By expelling the unpopular Mubarak-era prosecutor-general and by exercising influence over the heavily divided constituent assembly that was having trouble working efficiently, if truly dedicated to establishing Egypt’s democracy, Morsi may accomplish such a feat through, ironically, a dictatorship. By temporarily allowing himself to act quickly and without interference, Morsi could be addressing some of Egypt’s most pressing issues. Still, it cannot be overlooked that he over-stretched his position into dangerous territory.
Morsi’s new decree may be the beginning of a dictatorship, a harsh grab for power or simply a decision made by a President who wants democracy. It is still too early to tell what Morsi’s new move will bring, but whatever his (rather obscure) motives, the terrifying nature of the events on Thursday cannot be ignored – they will serve to plunge the country into an even more difficult and sinister path towards democracy.
 
By Amanda Felberg

Author

  • Amanda Felberg

    Amanda Felberg is a second year IR & History student from Brazil, with a particular interest in the Americas, especially the US. She is mainly concerned with social welfare and political turmoil affecting the Americas, which is usually the central theme of her posts. Keen to explore in more depth Asia and experience the region first hand, Amanda's next big trip will be to China! Amanda reports on the Americas for The London Globalist Blog.

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