Egyptian opposition groups call for protests on anniversary of uprising

Ahram Online , Wednesday 9 Jan 2013

April 6 Youth Movement and National Front for Change to protest against ‘deteriorating’ economy and ‘undemocratic’ political situation on two-year anniversary of Egypt’s uprising

Tahrir Square
A general view of anti-Mursi protesters chanting anti-government slogans in Tahrir Square in Cairo (Photo: Reuters)

The April 6 Youth Movement and the National Front for Change have announced they will hold protests on the second anniversary of January 25 Revolution.

The front made the call in a statement released on Wednesday to protest against the recently approved constitution.  

Egyptians should defend their right to a "consensual" constitution, one that reflects the "spirit of the revolution" and fulfils its demands for which hundreds died, it added.

Moreover, people should oppose the "coup against democratic principles" [i.e. the constitutional declaration] that was used by President Morsi to "immunise illegitimate bodies, such as the Constituent Assembly and the Shura Council," from judicial oversight.

April 6 Youth Movement (Democratic Front) on Wednesday criticised the ruling Freedom and Justice Party and President Mohamed Morsi in a statement:

"Morsi and the [Muslim Brotherhood] do not have a clear project for building Egypt and its economy and they are mainly concerned with dominating the country’s leadership and excluding all opposition."

It went on to say there was no difference between ousted president Hosni Mubarak and President Morsi because "the first could not protect protestors in Tahrir Square and the latter could not protect them in front of his presidential palace."

The group also said the economy had deteriorated since Morsi came to power. 

Morsi’s decision to raise prices, which was then postponed for "unknown reasons," reflected the "absence of a clear economic strategy."

Morsi is "completely detached" from the Egyptian people, it claimed, and his statements on the economy are unrealistic.

The group justified the continuation of labour strikes becasue workers are suffering from “unjust” pay and working conditions.

Other movements and political parties are expected to participate in events marking the two-year anniversary of the January 25 Revolution.  

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