Morsi Speaks as Egypt Rushes Constitution-Making Process
Mohammed Morsi takes to the state-run TV airwaves to reiterate his defense of his presidential decree that granted him sweeping, unchecked executive powers, Mohannad Sabry reports for Al-Monitor.
CAIRO — In a recorded interview broadcast by several Egyptian state TV channels, President Mohammed Morsi stuck to previous statements Thursday night, defending his moves that granted him sweeping, unchecked executive powers.
“I am very happy that we, Egyptians, are expressing what we feel and demanding what we want. It’s a positive and healthy scene,” Morsi said. “But I regret seeing the remnants of the former regime infiltrating the revolutionaries.”
“Dismissing the prosecutor general fulfills the demands of the public and the revolution, it was late due to the current circumstances but I saw that it could not be delayed anymore. Its equivalent to the retrials of former regime figures, and therefore this declaration fulfills revolutionary demands,” said Morsi. “I consult advisers inside and outside the presidency, known and unknown ones, before taking decisions, but I personally take the decision and take responsibility for it.”
“The constitutional declaration is very temporary, until the legislation is returned to the parliament,” said Morsi.
