PES and S&D Presidents express concern over Egypt crisis

The Party of European Socialists (PES) and the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists & Democrats in the European Parliament (the S&D Group) have expressed deep concern about the recent erosion of key democratic principles in Egypt. Last week, President Mohamed Morsi granted himself far-reaching powers by issuing several decrees banning any challenges to decisions made by the president. The announcement of Morsi’s sweeping new powers sparked numerous protests and mass demonstrations in Cairo and across the country.

PES President Sergei Stanishev underlined that: “This is a major setback for Egypt’s democratic transition. The spirit of the revolution must be safeguarded. I support the formation of a ‘National Salvation Front’ by Egypt’s progressive and democratic forces, including the Egyptian Social Democratic Party. The Front has a crucial role to play in denouncing the dangerous constitutional changes and defending the rights and freedoms of citizens. The authorities must promote a new political consensus based on dialogue – a consensus that fully reflects the voice of the Egyptian people and shows maximum restraint. All forms of violence must be ruled out.”

S&D Group President Hannes Swoboda pointed out that: “If the democratic gains made during the revolution are to be kept alive, a clear line needs to be drawn between executive power and the judiciary.