23/11/2012 Political Affairs and Democracy
Strasbourg, 23.11.2012 – Jean-Charles Gardetto (Monaco, EPP/CD), rapporteur on political transition in Egypt for the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), today expressed concern at the decree passed yesterday by President Mohammed Mursi of Egypt.
“With this decree, Mr Mursi is effectively granting himself sweeping powers. The very positive role that he played in securing a cease-fire in Gaza cannot serve as an excuse for undermining democracy, the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary.”
He continued: “Egypt is still finding its way on the path to democracy, but this is a clear step backwards. I hope that President Mursi will listen to the many Egyptians who will be demonstrating today against this decree, and reconsider it. At the same time, I call on those who are demonstrating to do so peacefully.”