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EGYPT: A Marriage Becomes Everyone's Business
munaeem | 10 May, 2007 21:31
The marriage last week of Gamal Mubarak, son of President Hosni Mubarak and influential member of the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP), has led to renewed speculation about the presidential scion’s political ambitions.
While the younger Mubarak continues to deny any intention to run for president, many political observers took the wedding as a sign that "inheritance" of the highest office is imminent.
On May 4, 44-year-old Gamal was married to Khadiga al-Gamal, 24, daughter of wealthy Egyptian construction magnate Mohamed al-Gamal. The couple had been engaged since early last year.
The wedding into a business family is seen as significant because Gamal spearheads the business policy unit of government, which in turn has become politically powerful.
Ever since he was appointed head of the NDP’s influential Policies Committee in 2002, speculation about Gamal’s political trajectory has mounted.
According to some local commentators, the Policies Committee -- like its unelected chief -- enjoys excessive influence over party policy and the legislative process.
The influence of Gamal and his circle of pro-business associates extends into the cabinet as well.
Critics note that, in the five years since his political debut, the younger Mubarak has, with the help of friendly state media, achieved an unrivalled public profile.
Such conjecture, however, has been accompanied by a degree of uncertainty as to the role of Egypt’s powerful armed forces in any possible succession scenario. According to some analysts, the country’s discreet but powerful military institutions would oppose the appointment of Gamal to the presidency.
"The military wouldn’t let Gamal take the presidency because he has nothing to offer other than the fact that he’s the president’s son," said Kandil. "Those who back Gamal for president are those powerful members of the business community who stand to benefit from his policies."
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