Al Sissi pledges to go for all-out reforms
Egyptian president sworn in for his second four-year term in office after winning elections
Egyptian President Abdul Fattah Al Sissi was yesterday sworn in for a second term in office, pledging to pursue all out reforms after his landslide win in a March election.
“Since I assumed my post [in 2014] I have worked out a plan based on expediting reforms at all political, economic and societal levels, in addition to security confrontation of perils besetting Egypt,” Al Sissi said in his inaugural speech in parliament.
Al Sissi, a former defence minister, won nearly 97 per cent of the valid votes cast in the March election, which pitted him against a little-known politician.
Yesterday, the Egyptian leader reached out to the opposition.
“I believe that every difference adds strength to us. My top priority will be to create common ground, which will not exclude anyone other than the one who has opted for violence, terrorism and radical thinking as a way of imposing his will,” Al Sissi said.
“Egypt is for all. I am a president for all Egyptians, including those who back me and those who do not.”
“Together, we have faced sinister terrorism that sought to undermine our dear nation’s unity. Together, we have withstood undertaking challenges spawned by a heavy legacy of economic, social and political challenges,” the 63-year-old president said.
He promised that promoting education, health care and culture will top his priorities.