Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
In a speech marked by candid reflection and a call for national renewal, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi emphasized the importance of injecting new blood into Egypt’s key institutions, including the military, police, and judiciary. Speaking during a breakfast ceremony following the graduation of a new class from the Police Academy, President Sisi outlined his vision for sustained reform, national unity, and the importance of learning from Egypt’s turbulent past.
“We want to bring fresh energy into the armed forces, the police, the judiciary, and across all institutions,” President Sisi said, underscoring the need for generational renewal as part of Egypt’s broader development efforts.
During his address, the president warned against the dangers of sudden or misguided revolutionary change, which he said could derail national progress. “A revolution for the sake of change could push the country 50 years backward. It cannot achieve its goals if its driving force is no longer present,” he said, alluding to the upheavals Egypt experienced during the 2011 uprising and its aftermath.
Instead, President Sisi advocated for what he described as a long-term strategy rooted in institution-building and character development. “True reform happens when we invest in people in the students of our medical and engineering colleges, in future leaders trained across all fields. If we work together as Egyptians in every institution, we can build a capable generation and fast-track our progress.”
The president also addressed broader societal concerns, touching on the balance between freedom and stability. “We must preserve a genuine climate of freedom, but not at the cost of chaos or instability,” he said. “Freedom ends where it begins to harm others or endanger the security and cohesion of the state.”
President Sisi made it clear that reform is not a one-time effort but a continuous process that transcends leaderships and generations. “Development is an ongoing journey. It doesn’t end with a president, a government, or a generation. It continues with us, and those who come after us.”
Reiterating his commitment to national unity, Sisi warned against attempts to sow division. “The Egyptian people must stand as one block, not allowing anyone to break or weaken the country from within,” he urged. “We were saved by God in 2011 and again in 2013. Do not be afraid.”
In a notable remark reflecting his political stance, President Sisi revealed that he had consciously chosen not to align himself with any political party. “I refused to join any political party,” he said. “I wanted to be responsible for all Egyptians, not a specific group. What matters is the national framework, a space where all Egyptians can come together to rebuild this nation.”
Reflecting on the unrest and instability of the past decade, the president spoke about his early thoughts on restoring the country. “I was thinking of how to repair the damage done since 2011, how to find common ground from which we could relaunch a national project to rebuild Egypt’s state institutions.”
President Sisi’s remarks come at a time when Egypt continues to navigate economic challenges, regional tensions, and a shifting global landscape. His focus on institutional reform, national cohesion, and generational renewal outlines a vision aimed at steady transformation rather than sudden overhaul.
As the nation looks to the future, the president’s message is clear: unity, patience, and a shared commitment to development are essential for building a resilient and modern Egypt.
