adminCairo — Egypt’s new interim government was sworn in on Saturday, a lightly reshuffled Cabinet with familiar faces that keeps powerful ministers in charge of the country’s security and military services in place ahead of an anticipated presidential election. The new Cabinet, Egypt’s sixth government since its 2011 revolt against autocrat Hosni Mubarak, retains Field Marshal Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi as defence minister. Many believe the wildly popular el-Sissi, who led the 3 July overthrow of Islamist President Mohammed Morsi, will run for president.
The change of government before the presidential vote appeared orchestrated to curb rising criticism of the outgoing military-backed Cabinet, which was accused of failing to stem widening labour strikes and continued protests.
The new line-up by new interim Prime Minister Ibrahim Mehlib largely removed Cabinet members belonging to political parties formed after the 2011 revolt, replacing them with technocrats or businessmen.
The new Cabinet also would spare el-Sissi the disruption associated with forming a new government if he becomes president. Parliamentary elections are expected by the summer, after which a new government is likely to be formed.
Presidential spokesperson Ihab Badawi said the priorities of the new Cabinet will be to prepare for the presidential and parliamentary elections, key milestones in the military-backed road map adopted after Morsi’s ouster. — AFP.
Online Reporter