Politics
Egypt: President Mursi repeals decree that led to unrest
It underlined that it “stands always with the great Egyptian people and insists on its unity,” but also said it was its duty to protect state institutions. It urged a solution based on “democratic rules.”
Mursi’s concession on the decree appeared to open the way for the talks to happen. But it remained to be seen if the opposition would remain intransigent over the referendum.
On Saturday there were none of the large-scale demonstrations that had taken place on previous nights. But the presidential palace remained ringed by tanks and troops, as it has been since the day after the deadly clashes.
In Cairo’s Tahrir Square, a focal point for hardcore protesters, news of the annulled decree sparked no festivities or exuberance.
“This will change nothing,” said one anti-Mursi activist, Mohamed Shakir, 50.
“Even if they offered us honey, it would not be enough,” agreed another, Hisham Ezzat.
Ahmad Abdallah, there with his wife and two children, said nothing less than the disappearance of the Muslim Brotherhood backing Mursi would please him.
“The brotherhood exists around the world, they have gone to other countries and split the people. Before the split, Mursi had a chance, but now it’s too late,” he said.
