FYI.

This story is over 5 years old.

News

Egypt's New President Vows to Build a 'More Stable Future'

His presidency begins as the country works to recover from the economic crisis after 2011's Arab Spring and the ouster of two presidents.
Photo via AP

Egypt's Abdel Fattah el-Sisi vowed to build a more stable future after he was sworn in as the country's new president today.

"It is time for us to build a future that is more stable and pen a new reality for the future of this nation," Sisi said.

The former field marshal garnered nearly 97 percent of the vote in a race against his only opponent — leftist politician Hamdeen Sabahi in last month's elections.

Advertisement

In Photos: Election Day Highlights Egypt's Obsession With El-Sisi

"The presidency of Egypt is a great honor and a huge responsibility," Sisi said at Cairo palace after his swearing-in ceremony, the Associated Press reported.

His presidency begins as the country works to recover from the economic crisis following 2011's Arab Spring, which saw the ouster of then-president Hosni Mubarak and later the ouster Muslim Brotherhood's Mohammed Morsi last year.

Arab governments are ganging up on the Muslim Brotherhood. Read more here.

This video shows the signing of a document marking the official handover of power. Credit: YouTube/CBC Egypt

This video shows el-Sisi being sworn into office. Credit: YouTube/CBC Egypt

Sisi's Challenges
Egypt's new president has several challenges ahead with stabilizing the economy and security of the country.

A recent Pew Research Center survey found that only 54 percent of Egyptians have a positive opinion of Sisi.

But Egypt does have some major backers like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates — which have all poured billions of dollars into country's coffers.

Sisi won the election, but still might lose Egypt. Read more here.

The White House has also said that US officials are looking forward to working with Sisi to "advance our strategic partnership and the many interests shared by the United States and Egypt."

"Egypt and its people have made clear their demands for dignity, justice, and political and economic opportunity. The United States fully supports the democratic aspirations of the Egyptian people and we will stand with them as they pursue the future that they deserve," the White House said in a news release last week after the election results were announced.