Dr. Hossam Badrawi Official Website
A new government in a new era (1)
The formation of a new government during the president’s final term comes at a sensitive time, and it must prepare society for a future with specific features within the framework of a declared vision and respect for the constitution. The country.
I returned to my speech at the opening of the National Dialogue, which I delivered at the invitation of the Dialogue’s Board of Trustees, which was broadcast live and attended by the Prime Minister, and I found that it was suitable, after a year, to be my first intervention to support my country with an opinion in a new phase.
The text says:
“We are now writing a constitution that will complete the building of a modern democratic state with a civil government.”
“The political system is based on 1 – political and party pluralism, 2 – the peaceful transfer of power, 3 – the separation of powers and the balance between them, 4 – the conjunction of responsibility with power,
5- Respecting human rights and freedoms, as stated in the Constitution.”
This is the introduction and fifth article of the constitution, which the Egyptian people approved by an overwhelming majority in 2014. Neither this introduction nor article five were amended in 2019.
There are articles in the constitution that we must preserve, and articles that have not been implemented, and there must be reasons for this, and I see them being placed within the framework of application, such as decentralization, and most of what relates to the separation of powers and the balance between them, and the method of applying justice and respecting freedoms.
So the basis is building the modern democratic civil state, which, by definition, has a government that preserves and protects all members of society regardless of their national, religious, or intellectual affiliations, and protects privacy and freedom of expression.
There are several principles that must be met in a civil state, and if one of them is lacking, the conditions of that state will not be met, the most important of which is that it guarantees the rights of all citizens, not as a gift from the state, but as a right that it is its duty to preserve, and does not allow some members of society to impose their culture on others under a religious or ideological cloak. .
We must protect the state from some who believe, perhaps in good faith but mistakenly, that stability and the safety of society come with silence, lack of change, and avoiding opening the doors to pluralism.
It is easiest for someone who does not have the ability to convince others to pursue a single thought, impose obedience, and limit choices.
The pillars of the modern state are based on two principles, the first of which is justice and non-selective application of the law, and the second is sustainable human development.
Achieving the greatest effectiveness of governance is linked to the access of the most efficient to governance seats through a system that allows this. It is also linked to the importance of having a system of oversight and accountability for the executive authority, and determining periods of governance to ensure renewal in thought and vitality in performance.
Politically, we must focus on the following elements:
– effectiveness of governance,
– The competence of the rulers,
– Oversight and accountability independent of the executive authority,
– An independent and effective justice system (the real revolution must happen here in this area)
An education and culture system that allows citizens to build their capabilities so that they have the opportunity to choose the best and contribute effectively to the development of themselves and their society.
Commitment to applying the philosophy of the Constitution and its articles, and providing citizens’ rights
In our vision of a political future that guarantees the sustainability of development, we are looking for an initiative that gives freedom its place and respect by ensuring complete justice that does not allow freedom to turn into chaos, or selective manipulation of the law, an initiative that allows the general people to make a free choice and choose their representatives in Parliament well.
The Egyptian Armed Forces are in control now, and they should not be placed politically in charge of challenging development, and they should lose their reference value in the event of departure from the constitution and legitimacy, or destructive revolutions, if called upon by the people.
The armed forces should not become responsible before the people for political or economic conditions, and we must maintain their role in preserving Egypt’s independence against any aggression, and protecting the people and the constitution when needed.
I believe that the presidential system of government, in which the elected president assumes broad powers to govern, is the ideal system for Egypt. Indeed, it has been the political reality since 1952, even though we claim otherwise.
But this system leads to tyranny by authority unless the term is limited to two terms at most, not exceeding twelve years. This is what the Constitution affirms, and this is a constitutional choice that cannot be amended by any ruling authority in the interest of its survival.
Parliamentary representation, which guarantees that the people’s representatives are chosen freely, may not bring in the best elements as a result of poverty and ignorance, but it must happen, otherwise we deprive the majority of expressing an opinion, and here comes the role of localities.
Therefore, the existence of another upper chamber of Parliament, as approved by the amended Constitution, becomes vital, but not in the way that was applied in the recent parliamentary elections, which used the method of absolute lists.
Decentralization, which was approved by the current and previous constitutions and which must be implemented gradually, is the broadest means for listening to the people at the village, center, city and governorate levels.
All of this must be based on two basic pillars: the successful application of the law, and a human development plan through education, health care, and social justice that cannot be undone under any circumstances.
.
We must realize that what precedes the elections is the guidance of public opinion, especially if it is not fortified with science and knowledge, and that attracting, intimidating, or threatening it affects the results of the elections. Added to this is the power of using political money to determine the course of choices in a society where the poverty rate reaches more than 30%.
As for what follows the election box, the elected’s respect for freedoms, the constitution, the law, the balance between powers, and exposure to accountability are essential matters in the implementation of democracy. The issue is not just an election box.
So where lies the protective deterrent that ensures the goodness, stability and sustainability of democracy? How can it be implemented in our country?
The formation of a new government during the president’s final term comes at a sensitive time, and it must prepare society for a future with specific features within the framework of a declared vision and respect for the constitution. The country.
I returned to my speech at the opening of the National Dialogue, which I delivered at the invitation of the Dialogue’s Board of Trustees, which was broadcast live and attended by the Prime Minister, and I found that it was suitable, after a year, to be my first intervention to support my country with an opinion in a new phase.
The text says:
“We are now writing a constitution that will complete the building of a modern democratic state with a civil government.”
“The political system is based on 1 – political and party pluralism, 2 – the peaceful transfer of power, 3 – the separation of powers and the balance between them, 4 – the conjunction of responsibility with power,
5- Respecting human rights and freedoms, as stated in the Constitution.”
This is the introduction and fifth article of the constitution, which the Egyptian people approved by an overwhelming majority in 2014. Neither this introduction nor article five were amended in 2019.
There are articles in the constitution that we must preserve, and articles that have not been implemented, and there must be reasons for this, and I see them being placed within the framework of application, such as decentralization, and most of what relates to the separation of powers and the balance between them, and the method of applying justice and respecting freedoms.
So the basis is building the modern democratic civil state, which, by definition, has a government that preserves and protects all members of society regardless of their national, religious, or intellectual affiliations, and protects privacy and freedom of expression.
There are several principles that must be met in a civil state, and if one of them is lacking, the conditions of that state will not be met, the most important of which is that it guarantees the rights of all citizens, not as a gift from the state, but as a right that it is its duty to preserve, and does not allow some members of society to impose their culture on others under a religious or ideological cloak. .
We must protect the state from some who believe, perhaps in good faith but mistakenly, that stability and the safety of society come with silence, lack of change, and avoiding opening the doors to pluralism.
It is easiest for someone who does not have the ability to convince others to pursue a single thought, impose obedience, and limit choices.
The pillars of the modern state are based on two principles, the first of which is justice and non-selective application of the law, and the second is sustainable human development.
Achieving the greatest effectiveness of governance is linked to the access of the most efficient to governance seats through a system that allows this. It is also linked to the importance of having a system of oversight and accountability for the executive authority, and determining periods of governance to ensure renewal in thought and vitality in performance.
Politically, we must focus on the following elements:
– effectiveness of governance,
– The competence of the rulers,
– Oversight and accountability independent of the executive authority,
– An independent and effective justice system (the real revolution must happen here in this area)
An education and culture system that allows citizens to build their capabilities so that they have the opportunity to choose the best and contribute effectively to the development of themselves and their society.
Commitment to applying the philosophy of the Constitution and its articles, and providing citizens’ rights
In our vision of a political future that guarantees the sustainability of development, we are looking for an initiative that gives freedom its place and respect by ensuring complete justice that does not allow freedom to turn into chaos, or selective manipulation of the law, an initiative that allows the general people to make a free choice and choose their representatives in Parliament well.
The Egyptian Armed Forces are in control now, and they should not be placed politically in charge of challenging development, and they should lose their reference value in the event of departure from the constitution and legitimacy, or destructive revolutions, if called upon by the people.
The armed forces should not become responsible before the people for political or economic conditions, and we must maintain their role in preserving Egypt’s independence against any aggression, and protecting the people and the constitution when needed.
I believe that the presidential system of government, in which the elected president assumes broad powers to govern, is the ideal system for Egypt. Indeed, it has been the political reality since 1952, even though we claim otherwise.
But this system leads to tyranny by authority unless the term is limited to two terms at most, not exceeding twelve years. This is what the Constitution affirms, and this is a constitutional choice that cannot be amended by any ruling authority in the interest of its survival.
Parliamentary representation, which guarantees that the people’s representatives are chosen freely, may not bring in the best elements as a result of poverty and ignorance, but it must happen, otherwise we deprive the majority of expressing an opinion, and here comes the role of localities.
Therefore, the existence of another upper chamber of Parliament, as approved by the amended Constitution, becomes vital, but not in the way that was applied in the recent parliamentary elections, which used the method of absolute lists.
Decentralization, which was approved by the current and previous constitutions and which must be implemented gradually, is the broadest means for listening to the people at the village, center, city and governorate levels.
All of this must be based on two basic pillars: the successful application of the law, and a human development plan through education, health care, and social justice that cannot be undone under any circumstances.
.
We must realize that what precedes the elections is the guidance of public opinion, especially if it is not fortified with science and knowledge, and that attracting, intimidating, or threatening it affects the results of the elections. Added to this is the power of using political money to determine the course of choices in a society where the poverty rate reaches more than 30%.
As for what follows the election box, the elected’s respect for freedoms, the constitution, the law, the balance between powers, and exposure to accountability are essential matters in the implementation of democracy. The issue is not just an election box.
So where lies the protective deterrent that ensures the goodness, stability and sustainability of democracy? How can it be implemented in our country?
In the West, deep-rooted traditions have settled in protecting the individual’s autonomy, rights, and dignity from coercion, whatever its source, whether by the state or even the majority of society, within a framework that protects the rights of minorities and freedoms because it is based on a marriage between democracy, freedom, and order.
As for us, these axioms are still unstable, within the framework of an educational and cultural system that does not develop this orientation, nor make it stable in the societal conscience.
In moments of disagreement and revolutions during which the most organized, the most powerful, and the loudest are riding on society, the constitutional authority is greater and more important. However, when we pass through this moment, we are accustomed to overthrowing the authority and abolishing the constitution, and the fate of the nation becomes in the hands of the owner of the affairs in this historical moment.
It is true that freedom is the guarantor, but it is not represented by chaos, but rather by a measure of order. Freedom requires guidelines and sometimes restrictions. The true security of freedom depends on the strength of some of the protective walls that protect it, and this is what produced modern liberal democracy through the accumulation of years in the West, and this is something that we cannot wait for long in our country.
This begins, without hesitation, with justice and the firm application of the law without selectivity, and to think of the law as the wise governing restrictions that make citizens free within the framework of the freedom of the whole society, emerging from a constitution that is truly respected by both the ruler and the ruled.
Our country needs strong governance, otherwise state institutions will collapse and development will stop. What guarantees that it will not turn into a dictatorship if this happens?
The answer depends on one important thing, which is ensuring the peaceful transfer of power. This is what ensures the sustainability of development and the accumulation of experience.
I affirm that knowledge is the pillar of this development and is the gateway to the levels of progress that we seek. Knowledge is reflected in the development of the economy, politics, society as a whole, and in all aspects of human activity. Knowledge has played a decisive role throughout the ages in the rise and fall of nations and in shaping the trends of the present and the future, so I return to the vision Egypt must implement education, culture, health care, youth, and sports that build humanity in a society that supports children and youth.
The focus of the country’s vision must be to provide the best possible opportunities to exploit human potential in order to achieve a better level of well-being for individuals.
The Egyptian person is the goal, and he is also the basic tool for achieving this development. I emphasize that development in this sense does not only mean increasing wealth or income for society, but empowering everyone, activating their participation in society, and properly employing their energies and abilities to serve themselves and their country with the optimal and equitable use of resources so that people can live… present generations without harming future generations.
The heart of what I am saying is that education is the gateway to knowledge, and knowledge is the basis of development, capacity building, and providing opportunities.
Accumulating experience and transferring power peacefully, without demolition or chaos, is the only way to sustain any policy or application.
As for us, these axioms are still unstable, within the framework of an educational and cultural system that does not develop this orientation, nor make it stable in the societal conscience.
In moments of disagreement and revolutions during which the most organized, the most powerful, and the loudest are riding on society, the constitutional authority is greater and more important. However, when we pass through this moment, we are accustomed to overthrowing the authority and abolishing the constitution, and the fate of the nation becomes in the hands of the owner of the affairs in this historical moment.
It is true that freedom is the guarantor, but it is not represented by chaos, but rather by a measure of order. Freedom requires guidelines and sometimes restrictions. The true security of freedom depends on the strength of some of the protective walls that protect it, and this is what produced modern liberal democracy through the accumulation of years in the West, and this is something that we cannot wait for long in our country.
This begins, without hesitation, with justice and the firm application of the law without selectivity, and to think of the law as the wise governing restrictions that make citizens free within the framework of the freedom of the whole society, emerging from a constitution that is truly respected by both the ruler and the ruled.
Our country needs strong governance, otherwise state institutions will collapse and development will stop. What guarantees that it will not turn into a dictatorship if this happens?
The answer depends on one important thing, which is ensuring the peaceful transfer of power. This is what ensures the sustainability of development and the accumulation of experience.
I affirm that knowledge is the pillar of this development and is the gateway to the levels of progress that we seek. Knowledge is reflected in the development of the economy, politics, society as a whole, and in all aspects of human activity. Knowledge has played a decisive role throughout the ages in the rise and fall of nations and in shaping the trends of the present and the future, so I return to the vision Egypt must implement education, culture, health care, youth, and sports that build humanity in a society that supports children and youth.
The focus of the country’s vision must be to provide the best possible opportunities to exploit human potential in order to achieve a better level of well-being for individuals.
The Egyptian person is the goal, and he is also the basic tool for achieving this development. I emphasize that development in this sense does not only mean increasing wealth or income for society, but empowering everyone, activating their participation in society, and properly employing their energies and abilities to serve themselves and their country with the optimal and equitable use of resources so that people can live… present generations without harming future generations.
The heart of what I am saying is that education is the gateway to knowledge, and knowledge is the basis of development, capacity building, and providing opportunities.
Accumulating experience and transferring power peacefully, without demolition or chaos, is the only way to sustain any policy or application.
