A pebble in the political pond

Gamal Abdel-Gawad
Tuesday 14 Jan 2025

Gamal Abdel-Gawad hails the emergence of a new political party

 

The announcement of the establishment of the National Front Party has cast a pebble into the stagnant pond of Egyptian politics. Many have followed the news of this new political entity with interest, while others remain sceptical of the added value it may bring to the country’s political landscape.  

The party’s creation, led by prominent public figures with close ties to the state, reflects an acknowledgement within the state apparatus of deficiencies in Egypt’s party system. While this move does not represent a comprehensive overhaul of the country’s political and party life—a complex and far-reaching endeavor—it is a targeted intervention to address specific shortcomings, making it a good starting point.  

One of the most notable aspects of the National Front Party is its founding members—a diverse array of public figures, intellectuals, and professionals. This is a positive development in a country where political parties have historically struggled to attract such individuals into their ranks or leadership. The lack of high-profile figures has contributed to the weakness of Egypt’s political parties, with many leaders remaining virtually unknown even in politically engaged circles. The inclusion of credible public personalities in the National Front Party signals that this new entity is unlikely to be easily manipulated, as each member’s reputation is their irreplaceable capital.  

A major challenge for the party will be maintaining its appeal to intellectuals and public figures. Historically, many Egyptian parties have captured significant attention at their inception, only to see this enthusiasm fade as time passes, leading to a withdrawal from political activities.  

The National Front Party has the potential to fill a significant void if it manages to re-engage the urban middle class—particularly intellectuals and professionals—who have largely abandoned political and party life in recent years. While reaching voters in rural and urban areas may present a significant obstacle, the greater challenge lies in convincing the educated, urban middle class to return to political engagement after years of disillusionment.  

In their public statements, the leaders of the National Front Party have rejected the binary classification of parties as either pro-government or opposition. Most of the party’s founders align with the general direction of the state and the political system but are unwilling to uncritically endorse every policy or decision. This nuanced position stands in contrast to the blind loyalty exhibited by some parties in recent years, which has weakened parliamentary and political performance. By resisting the label of “pro-government,” the National Front Party promises a more dynamic political and parliamentary role—scrutinising, debating, modifying, approving, or rejecting proposals based on shared national interests rather than opposition for opposition’s sake.  

A closer examination of the party’s composition, discourse, and political orientation suggests it is the kind of party that should have been formed immediately following the 30 June Revolution. Late though its arrival is, that remains a better bet. However, the intervening years since 2013 have not been without substance; they have brought significant developments and challenges, creating a complex reality that will complicate the new party’s mission.  

The party features a striking ideological diversity, with founders ranging from conservatives to liberals, religious to secular figures, and socialists to free-market advocates. Such diversity need not be a liability; indeed, a similar coalition underpinned the 30 June Revolution itself.  

Judging the ideological plurality of the National Front Party by the standards of Western parties, which often adhere to a single ideological direction, is misleading. Egypt’s political and intellectual context is fundamentally different. The Egyptian state and ruling elite lack a fixed ideological orientation, often operating pragmatically, even haphazardly, by cherry-picking ideas from various doctrines deemed beneficial at a given moment. Within decision-making institutions, debates with ideological underpinnings frequently occur before a final resolution is reached. A party embodying such ideological multiplicity could enrich public dialogue and enhance deliberations on legislation and public policy.  

It might be worthwhile for the National Front Party, at a later stage, to establish internal platforms representing its diverse ideological currents. This would deepen intellectual debate within the party while embodying the “front” concept embedded in its name. Organising structured and non-confrontational dialogue among members with differing perspectives could significantly advance Egypt’s intellectual and political life.  

The establishment of the National Front Party could also spur existing parties to undergo genuine reforms, carving out innovative roles within the political landscape. The traditional model of pro-government parties seems to have outlived its usefulness. The greatest benefit would come if the formation of this new party were accompanied by broader political reforms, including the restoration of local councils and enhanced electoral competitiveness, particularly through proportional representation. Egypt has an opportunity here—one that must not be squandered.

 

The writer is a senior adviser at Al-Ahram Centre for Political and Strategic Studies.

* A version of this article appears in print in the 16 January, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

Short link: