Egypt Daily News – Egyptian billionaire and prominent businessman Naguib Sawiris ignited a firestorm of debate this week with a provocative comment about the anniversary of the 1952 revolution, describing July 23 as the day Egypt “began its fall.” His statement, posted on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), challenged a national narrative that has long been at the heart of the country’s post-monarchy identity.
“Today marks the anniversary of the day Egypt began its journey of decline, economic failure, suppression of freedoms, the burial of democracy, and the erosion of cultural beauty,” Sawiris wrote. His remarks drew hundreds of responses, polarizing social media users between fierce criticism and vocal support.
The annual commemoration of July 23 marks the 1952 coup by the Free Officers Movement, which overthrew King Farouk and ended the monarchy. Supporters have long heralded it as a revolution that laid the foundation for a modern, independent Egypt. Critics, however, describe it as a military takeover that paved the way for decades of authoritarian rule.
Among the strongest rebuttals came from Member of Parliament and media figure Mostafa Bakry, a staunch defender of Egypt’s revolutionary legacy. In a scathing reply, Bakry dismissed Sawiris’s remarks as “nonsense” and countered that July 23 marked Egypt’s liberation from foreign domination and social inequality.
“To Sawiris and every Sawiris out there, this was not a day of downfall,” Bakry wrote. “It was the beginning of Egypt’s return to its people, a break from colonial control, feudalism, and unchecked capitalism. This day marked the rise of a nation.”
Bakry credited former President Gamal Abdel Nasser, the most prominent figure of the 1952 revolution, with laying the foundation of modern Egypt. He cited Nasser’s social and economic reforms, land redistribution, and assertive foreign policy as milestones of progress. “Nasser created a national project that remains unparalleled,” he added. “The man who was mourned by millions continues to inspire generations.”
Amid the public debate, President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi marked the 73rd anniversary of the revolution with a more traditional tone, honoring the historical significance of the event. In an official statement, Sisi said, “On the 73rd anniversary of the July 23 Revolution, we recall a pivotal moment in our nation’s history, one that carried the hopes and aspirations of the Egyptian people toward development, dignity, and independence.”
He continued, “As we celebrate this cherished occasion, we honor the sacrifices of those who believed in the right of Egyptians to progress and freedom, driven by unwavering will and unshakable determination. We affirm our commitment to continue this honorable path with ambition to elevate Egypt’s regional and international standing.”
Sawiris, known for his outspoken views and frequent critiques of political trends, did not issue a follow-up response to the backlash. However, his comment underscores a broader divide in Egyptian society over how to interpret the legacy of 1952, whether as a revolutionary turning point or the beginning of prolonged political stagnation.
The conversation reflects ongoing tensions between those who view Egypt’s modern history through the lens of nationalist triumph, and others who see a long, painful struggle with authoritarianism, economic mismanagement, and the curtailment of democratic life.
As Egypt continues to navigate its complex political and economic realities, the legacy of July 23 remains both a point of pride and a subject of contention, highlighting how deeply history can divide as much as it seeks to unify.
