Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sissi embarked on his third term in office with a swearing-in ceremony held at the new administrative capital east of Cairo. Securing another six years in power with approximately 90 percent of the vote in December’s election, al-Sissi addressed parliament, acknowledging the unprecedented challenges Egypt has faced in recent years. These challenges, he asserted, stemmed from internal destabilization, global crises, and intense international and regional conflicts.
In his televised speech, al-Sissi pledged to pursue reforms while emphasizing the importance of safeguarding Egypt’s national security amidst a volatile regional and international landscape. The new administrative capital, a flagship project initiated in 2015, symbolizes a series of ambitious undertakings by al-Sissi’s administration, although critics attribute these endeavors to the economic downturn experienced in Egypt over the past two years.
Al-Sissi rose to power in 2013 following the ousting of Mohammed Morsi, Egypt’s democratically elected but divisive Islamist leader. While his supporters view him as a stabilizing force amid regional instability, detractors hold him accountable for economic woes and constraints on freedom. Since assuming office, al-Sissi’s regime has faced criticism for its treatment of activists and journalists, with many being detained or forced into exile. However, recent government actions, including the release of several dissidents, suggest a potential shift in approach.
