Protests over military’s choice of Mubarak man to lead Egypt

The new leader, 78-year-old Kamal el-Ganzouri, served as Prime Minister between 1996 and 1999 and was Deputy Prime Minister before that. He also was a provincial governor under the late President Anwar Sadat.

Protesters chanted “Illegitimate, illegitimate!” in Cairo’s central Tahrir Square on hearing news of Mr el-Ganzouri’s appointment, a move seen as an attempt by generals to extend the old guard’s grip on the country.

They also called for a delay of Monday’s elections until all military rule in Egypt is ended. However, the military has said polls, the first since Mubarak’s fall, will be held on schedule despite the unrest in Cairo and a string of other cities.

Voting starts on Monday and concludes in March, meaning that Mr el-Ganzouri could be Prime Minister only until a new government is formed following the seating of a new legislature.

Protesters chanting, “Leave, leave!” filled Tahrir Square for what has been dubbed by organisers as “The Last Chance Million-Man Protest” aimed at forcing the military council to yield power.

“Not only was he Prime Minister under Mubarak, but also part of the old regime for a total of 18 years,” said protester Mohammed el-Fayoumi, 29. “Why did we have a revolution then?”

The Obama administration, meanwhile, hardened its stance, urging the generals to transfer power to a civilian government immediately.

“We believe that Egypt’s transition to democracy must continue, with elections proceeding expeditiously, and all necessary measures taken to ensure security and prevent intimidation,” the White House said in a statement.

“Most importantly, we believe that the full transfer of power to a civilian government must take place in a just and inclusive manner that responds to the legitimate aspirations of the Egyptian people, as soon as possible.”

The announcement about the Prime Minister followed a meeting late on Thursday between Mr el-Ganzouri and senior military ruler Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi.

Field Marshal Tantawi was Mubarak’s Defence Minister of 20 years and served in the government headed by Mr el-Ganzouri.

Mr El-Ganzouri will replace Essam Sharaf, who resigned this week after nearly nine months in office amid deadly clashes between police and protesters calling for the military to immediately step down. Mr Sharaf was criticised for being weak and beholden to the generals. The television announcement said Mr el-Ganzouri will enjoy “authority”.

“Ganzouri is a new Sharaf. He’s old regime,” said Nayer Mustafa, 62. “The revolution was hijacked once. We won’t let it happen again.”

Mr el-Ganzouri said in a televised statement the military has given him greater powers than his predecessor and he wouldn’t have accepted the job if he believed Marshal Tantawi had any intention of staying in power.

“The powers given to me exceed any similar mandates,” he said, looking uncomfortable, grasping for words and repeatedly pausing as he spoke. “I will take full authority so I’m able to serve my country.”