The Egyptian president on Thursday sent a stern warning to the opposition against fomenting "chaos" in the country and challenged them to present plans to rival his for sustaining growth and development. Speaking to a gathering of trade unionists, Hosni Mubarak hailed the recent protests in Cairo as "evidence of the vitality of our society." But he also said he fears "that some might slip ... into chaos that would expose Egypt and its sons to setbacks."
The calls for reform are spearheaded in part by Mohamed ElBaradei, the former chief of the United Nations' nuclear watchdog agency, who might run for president in the next election. According to the AP, the Egyptian leader noted that the upcoming elections would be "free," and that voters would decide the outcome.
Mubarak reiterated that Egypt had largely weathered the global economic meltdown and was on track for economic growth of about 5.5 percent this year. That growth, he said, would result in greater job creation.
In a clear challenge to opposition groups and other reformists, he called on those who have stirred unrest in the country to put forward their own platforms for growth. "There is no time, at this critical juncture, for those who fail to realize the huge difference between change and chaos, between calculated moves and ... hastiness," Mubarak said. "I say to those who raise slogans and for whom posturing is sufficient, this is not enough to win voter confidence."
"They must work to convince the people with a clear vision that presents solutions to our problems," he said. "They must answer the questions of the simplest of the people. What can they offer them? What are their policies for attracting investments" and job creation.
