While Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has already lost some of the popularity he earned by taking power in just a few brief months of army rule, now he is a civilian president, and the population will expect him to keep promises and be accountable for any mistakes he makes.
Most Egyptians say the country needs stability, and jobs. Many appear ready to give Sisi the benefit of the doubt for now, but the hunger, and need for change, is palpable and pressing.
The army mobilised to ring Cairo and Tahrir Square with steel and drop Sisi promotional material from helicopters. They were determined to reserve the square for their supporters to allow a show of strength, uncontested by any opposition forces.
“Congratulations to President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. We ask him to care about young people, because they need to work and they need housing. Egypt needs a good president and al-Sisi is a good man,” said one woman.
“We ask him to pay close attention to our country and to achieve social justice and security because security is important for investment,” said a man.
“Egyptian people have been suffering for three years. We ask him to care for the poor and the people that eat waste and rubbish, and we want security,” was another man’s opinion.
Once his inauguration was finished, security forces began allowing Sisi supporters into the square, and a party atmosphere began to make itself heard.
“After being sworn in, the new president begins his mission filled with difficulties. Barbed files are waiting on his desk, the most prominent being the economy, security and how to deal with the Muslim Brotherhood in the future,” said euronews correspondent in Cairo, Mohammed Shaikhibrahim.
