Sisi to nation: Education, health, culture 'priority' in 2nd term

CAIRO – 2 June 2018: In his speech to the nation at the House of Representatives (Parliament) after swearing in for a second term in presidency, Abdel Fatah al-Sisi pledged to continue “the development and construction” of the Egyptians, putting education and health on the priority of his second term agenda.

President Sisi, who overwhelmingly won the 2018 presidential election, started his speech by asking the attendants of the parliamentarians and dignitaries for a minute of silence for the military and police martyrs, repeating his oath to protect the republican system, to respect the constitution and the law, to safeguard the people's interests.

Sisi expressed that his feelings have been mixed with happiness because Egyptians had renewed their confidence in him despite the biggest responsibilities and the challenges that face Egypt, saying “It is a great responsibility.”

“I renew my pledge to face the challenge [the state faces] and to go into the battle of survival[…], adhering to our social contract, which was signed by the state and the people, to make frankness and transparency our constitution,” Sisi said, adding “Our broad principle is hard working.”

The 63-year-old president said that he had responded to the people’s call to be head of a salvation team to get rid of those who misuse Islam for their own gains, in an indication to the National Salvation Front, which was formed in 2013 by different aspects of the society following mass protests in June 30, 2013 calling for the end of the ruling of the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood group.

President Sisi praised the roles played by the Islamic Sunni institution of Al-Azhar and the Church, saying “Al-Azhar al-Sharif is the platform of moderate Islam. The greatest Egyptian Church is the symbol of the tolerance and peace.”

People’s will is being guarded by the brave military men and police heroes who sacrificed themselves for the nation, Sisi continued.

Directing his speech to Egyptian women, President Sisi said that women along with all family members are working on building and constructing the country based on principles of freedom and democracy.

“We together have faced brutal terrorism sought to undermine the unity of our precious homeland. We faced together the economic, social, and political challenges,” Sisi said, adding that the country succeeded during his first four-year tenure to overcome such challenges to move forward to more stable future. “Since I have assumed power, I developed a comprehensive reform plan at all political, economic and societal levels [...] Our ambitious plan was to launch a series of national megaprojects aimed at maximizing the country's resources, improving its infrastructure and providing more job opportunities,” Sisi said, noting that the country coincidently adopted a comprehensive plan of economic reform.

President Sisi continued that the plans of his first phase of his leadership has successively been accomplished, saying that developing Egyptians abilities and skills will be on the top of his presidency’s priorities.

“Education, health, and culture will come on the top of my priorities via launching a bunch of great national projects and programs to upgrade Egyptians’ abilities,” Sisi said.

As for Egypt’s foreign policy in the second term, President Sisi affirmed that Egypt will enhance its balanced relations with all regional and international parties, adding that the country abides by the principle of other countries’ national sovereignty and non-interference in others’ affairs. He also highlighted that Egypt will increase its regional role in the regional crucial issues.

President Sisi said that all people have the right to political discussions and negotiations, except for those who commit and incite violence and terrorism.

“Egyptians, I pledge to dedicate myself for you and for keeping Egypt’s superior status in the world […] long live Egypt, long live Egypt, long live Egypt,” Sisi concluded his speech.

According to the 2014 Constitution, the newly elected president must take the oath before a special session of Parliament before his presidential term officially starts.

The event is the first of its kind in the Egyptian Parliament since former President Hosni Mubarak took the oath in 2005. Sisi’s first oath was performed at the Constitutional Court in 2014.