In a recorded speech, El-Sisi stressed that the turbulent regional and international situation creates new challenges and complex conditions for Egypt and other countries.
He also highlighted the impact of growing tensions and confrontations worldwide and regional conflicts, wars, and internal strife.
In addition, El-Sisi pointed out how these conflicts led to the fragmentation of some countries and the collapse of their institutions.
He also underlined the catastrophic humanitarian conditions, widespread famine, and displacement of millions of people across the region.
“These unprecedented circumstances place enormous burdens on Egypt,” El-Sisi emphasized.
He affirmed, however, that these circumstances can only be mitigated by Egyptians' unwavering strength, resilience, unity, and cohesion.
“This leads me to firmly believe that Egypt will, by Allah’s grace, weather these troubled times and continue its march toward progress and development to fulfil the aspirations of all Egyptians to live in a free and dignified homeland that promises a bright future for all its citizens.”
Lessons from the Revolution
El-Sisi said the 1952 Revolution anniversary brings back memories of “an event that changed the course of Egyptian history and the region.” He added that the revolution ushered in an era of “ending long colonization and establishing Egypt's real independence and sovereignty.”
“It inspired peoples worldwide and propelled their efforts towards national liberation,” El-Sisi noted.
In addition, he said Egyptians have drawn lessons from the July Revolution, including “rejecting any attempts to compromise on national independence, safeguarding the dignity of the nation and its citizens, and striving under all circumstances to enhance social justice and protect the most vulnerable groups.”
“The glorious July Revolution also solidified Egypt's active role in its Arab and African surroundings and its significant role as a defender of the rights and interests of [Global] South countries,” El-Sisi stressed.
He affirmed that Egypt has preserved this role by playing active roles and assuming leading positions in various international forums.
Since the revolution, “Egypt has kept pace with the change of times,” El-Sisi said, adding that it has opened up to the world and goes to great lengths to improve its economic, investment, urban, and industrial capabilities.
Moreover, he explained that while integrating into the global trade system, Egypt has constantly focused on making every effort to protect its national economy from fluctuations and shocks in the global economy.
“Egypt works through comprehensive and effective systems to provide the necessary social protection.”
Furthermore, El-Sisi highlighted that Egypt has preserved its land, sovereignty, and independence and established peace based on justice and land restoration.
He added that Egypt has nonetheless firmly and steadfastly held onto the rights and interests of its brothers. In this regard, El-Sisi stressed Egypt’s role “in protecting the Palestinian people’s just cause from liquidation and the sustained effort Egypt devotes to supporting their legitimate right to an independent and sovereign state.”
Profound changes
The 23 July 1952 Revolution marks an iconic occasion for all Egyptians. The revolution forced King Farouk, who ruled Egypt for 16 years, to abdicate the throne.
It abolished three decades of monarchy and established the republic.
The revolution was staged by a group of army officers known as the “Free Officers,” led by Gamal Abdel-Nasser, who overthrew the regime amid massive popular support.
It brought profound political, economic, and societal changes and planned to achieve such objectives as ending British rule, modernizing the economy, empowering the people, and achieving social justice.
The government has given public and private sector employees a holiday on Thursday, instead of Tuesday (on which the 72nd anniversary of the revolution originally falls).
Since 2020, the Egyptian government has pushed public holidays – except for Eid El-Fitr, Eid El-Adha, and Coptic Christmas – to Thursdays whenever they fall on a weekday to give citizens a longer weekend.
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