A number of syndicates, unions and political groups launched the National Popular Alliance Sunday to "defend the aims of the 30 June revolution" and coordinate to fulfil the transitional roadmap.



The new alliance includes the Professional Syndicates Union, headed by chairman of Lawyers' Syndicate Sameh Ashour, the Writers Union, headed by Mohamed Salmawy, and the Movement to Defend the Republic, led by former judge of the High Constitutional Court Tahani El-Gebaly. It also includes the Revolutionary Forces Bloc and other unions and youth groups.



In their statement, read by Salmawy at the Writers Union Sunday, the alliance said that the fall of the regime of toppled president Mohamed Morsi means the fall of "its marred constitution," adding that they demand a new constitution and not just amendments.



The 2012 constitution, approved by referendum, was suspended when the army dismissed Morsi 3 July amid mass nationwide protests against his rule.

A 10-member committee for amending the constitution is expected to be formed soon, according to the constitutional declaration issued by Interim President Adly Mansour, fleshing out a roadmap for the upcoming transitional period drawn up between opposition political forces and the Egyptian army.



The new alliance, however, said that a Constituent Assembly should be formed to draft a new constitution. It added that the top priority of the country's interim Cabinet should be "reviving the economy" and enforcing a policy that would "relieve social pain for those most in need."



In addition, the alliance said that those deposed from power should first be held accountable before any reconciliation is pursued — especially with the Muslim Brotherhood, from which Morsi hails.

It also called for a "comprehensive social discussion" to forge a strategy that would empower the youth economically and politically.

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