Skip to main content

Morsi’s Opponents Fear Losing The Battle Over the Constitution

As protests continue across Egypt, members of the opposition fear they may lose the battle over Egypt’s draft constitution, reports Mohannad Sabry from Cairo.
Protesters chant anti-Mursi slogans in front of the presidential palace in Cairo, December 4, 2012. Egypt's opposition called for mass protests on Tuesday against the Islamist-led government's drive to hold a snap referendum on a new constitution after sweeping aside judicial obstacles. REUTERS/Asmaa Waguih (EGYPT - Tags: POLITICS CIVIL UNREST)

CAIRO — A statement published by Egypt’s newly formed National Salvation Front on Dec. 2 described President Mohammed Morsi’s call for a constitutional referendum as “irresponsible” and accused him of “reneging on his oath not to schedule it before reaching a broad state of national consensus over the constitution."

“The president preferred to act as a party member than as a president to all Egyptians,” said the statement, as tens of thousands of protesters gathered Tuesday in front of major mosques across the capital before marching to the presidential palace in eastern Cairo.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.