News spreads about ElBaradei’s appointment as prime minister
Amid enthusiasm and criticism, Interim President Mansour Adly appointed reform leader Mohamed ElBaradei as prime minister, the state-run Middle East News Agency reported on Saturday. The presidency, however, has not confirmed the news.
ElBaradei, who sat on the helm of the United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency for 12 years, returned to Egypt in 2009 amidst a campaign calling for the end of the rule of former President Hosni Mubarak and the potential passing on of power to his son, Gamal. ElBaradei quickly became a figure for the movement that inspired many youths to enter politics and pave the way for the 2011 revolution.
Besides pleasing many enthusiasts, ElBaradei's appointment has raised tempers among Islamist leaders, who consider him a secularist who will endanger the potentials of political Islam. The Salafi Nour Party, which took part in the military-led ouster of deposed President Mohamed Morsi, announced that it is yet to formulate a position vis a vis ElBaradei's appointment.
Some activists see ElBaradei's appointment as deepening the rift between Islamists and secularists in the wake of Morsi's ouster, which has led to ongoing clashes between his supporters and opponents.
ElBaradei's cabinet will follow that of Morsi-appointed Prime Minister Hesham Qandil's cabinet.
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