Morsi: On Anniversary and Protests

      Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi marked one year in office by admitting that he had made mistakes and promised “radical and quick reforms” for state institutions. But in his televised June 27 address to the nation, Morsi also accused regime remnants of instigating anti-government violence. He blamed unnamed “enemies of Egypt” for sabotaging democracy. “Enter elections if you want to change the government,” Morsi told political opponents. Protests cannot be “used to impose your opinion.” But the opposition has called for nation-wide demonstrations on June 30 to protest Morsi’s leadership. Some opposition groups are also now calling on him to step down. The following are themes from his two-and-half hour speech. 

Mistakes: “There are many reasons for what we are suffering now. We should admit that. As a president, I have exerted painstaking efforts, sometimes I did it and sometimes I made mistakes and mistakes could happen, but rectifying these mistakes is a must.”

Challenges: “Political polarization and conflict has reached a stage that threatens our nascent democratic experience and threatens to put the whole nation in a state of paralysis and chaos… Every revolution has foes and every nation has challenges that it must face… The enemies of Egypt left no stone unturned in sabotaging the democratic experience in Egypt. There are some people who have illusions that the state of corruption, oppression and injustice will come back.”         

Democracy: “I am keen on boosting a genuine and democratic power transfer in Egypt, even if it will be tomorrow. I respect this as long as it will be based on what we have achieved in our democratic path; the constitution… Egypt needs more legislation to go forward in all fields. The legislative elections will be held to complete the state institutions.”

"We have succeeded in writing a modern constitution we can be proud of, even if a few of its articles ought to be amended but now we have ended the stage of overlapping constitutional campaigns—and of course the constitution is not the Koran as it can be amended by law."

Youth: "Young people of Egypt, you are the pride of this nation. I admit that you have not been given the rights you deserve in this post revolution phase. I forgive you and I apologize to you. You will have your rights. I understand your needs and I am doing my best to create new opportunities for you."

Military: “There are some who don’t want the armed forces and the presidency to have a healthy relationship. All state institutions work in harmony and with discipline under the leadership of the head of state.”

Protests: “Enter elections if you want to change the government.” Protests are a legitimate way “to raise your opinion” but cannot be “used to impose your opinion.”

"I urge you to keep demonstrations peaceful and to protest in the aim of criticizing the governing authority and not in the aim of creating chaos. Beware of being drawn into violence because demonstrations are a means to express your opinions and not a tool to impose those opinions."

Media: "We are still waiting to see the media fulfill its role of raising awareness amongst the people. Stop spreading rumors, adversity and hate speech. We cannot stay silent in the face of lies, adversity and traps broadcasted on television. This is not Egypt. However, I would like to note that I am not accusing everyone in the media."

Fuel Shortage: “Any gas station that will refuse to receive or distribute petroleum products will have its license revoked… I am saddened by the [long] lines, and I wish I could join in and wait in line, too.”

Photo credit: Official Facebook page of Mohamed Morsi