Mohammed Morsi claimed that he was the "legitimate" president of Egypt. He was probably describing, however, his position as the legally elected president. Legitimacy, on the other hand, is the approval of the president’s record by the people. It is apparent at this juncture that Morsi has lost legitimacy due to prevailing impressions that the Muslim Brotherhood was seeking to grab power rather than exercise it.

Through Morsi's mismanagement of state affairs, particularly evidenced in his last two speeches over this past week, he alienated a large sector of the population that most likely put him in office. In his speeches, he repeated that he was the representative of Egyptian legitimacy, misinterpreting the concept of legitimacy — even distorting it. While Morsi was the legal president, elected during elections one year ago, his performance record was in many ways abusive and incompetent, particularly when it came to dealing with emerging economic, financial and social problems.

In other words, Morsi did not realize that legitimacy is measured by the degree of approval to his policies and presidency. The massive demonstrations that took place were an indication that he had lost that approval. During his tenure as president, his provocative activities led to the alienation of a large majority of people.

Now, Morsi has been removed from office and power has been temporarily transferred to the head of the Supreme Constitutional Court, Adly Mansour, who will prepare for a new constitution and a national unity government. It is hoped that the transition will be peaceful and the new constitution will steer the course of change toward social and economic development, as well as a guarantee of free elections and separation of powers.