In a lecture held at the Ramadan Book Fair in Cairo, a group from the Revolution Youth Coalition agreed that the demands of the Egyptian Revolution will only be achieved by the efforts of the revolutionaries themselves and that the upcoming parliament is itself part of the January 25 Revolution.

Israa Abdel Fatah, a famous political activist, is optimistic that hope is emerging from Mubarak’s trial, in that it proves there is no one above the law, including the former president himself.

Abdel Fatah described the next step as a critical stage that must be passed in order to achieve free democratic elections. She added that the coalition will run for the next parliamentary elections, but concedes that their success will be in the hands of the Egyptian people.

Shady El-Ghazly Harb, member of the coalition, stated that despite the importance of Mubarak’s trial, the coalition should concentrate more on Egypt’s future. He explained that the trial was not the primary goal of the revolution, but will still be an important lesson for future presidents. Harb emphasised that the main goal of the revolution is for an Egyptian state based on rights, and that the upcoming parliamentary elections and rewritten constitution will contribute to building this state.

Harb also added that purging the country of corruption is the responsibility of every citizen in Egyptian society.

Khalid Talimah, another member of the coalition, revealed his fear that some groups are discontent with the revolution. He stressed his belief that the revolution is not responsible for the increase in prices and general lack of security. He added that without struggle there would be no revolution and in turn, the regime’s policies will remain unchanged.  

Tarek El-Kholi, member of April 6th Movement, stated there was a campaign to defame the movement. He claimed that without the movement that stood against Mubarak, with its demands of freedom and social justice through acts such as the 8 July sit-in, the goals of the revolution, for example Mubarak’s trial and the announcement of new governors, would not have been achieved.