Naguib Sawiris, one of Egypt's leading businessmen and up and coming politicians, has announced that he will not join Friday's protests which are set to launch the “second revolution of anger.” Sawiris, head of the newly established “Free Egyptians” party, says that Egypt needs stability now and should focus on increasing the country's production and preventing the economy from collapsing. During a meeting at Al Jazeera Sport Club yesterday evening, Sawiris hailed the Egyptian revolution for helping Egyptians regain their freedom and dignity. However, he warned that million man marches like the one planned for Friday will only cause tension between the people and the army. He said the army is the protector of the people and if anything happened to it, it would be a disaster for the country. Sawiris pointed out that Egyptians should now focus on restoring the factory production cycle and helping revive the tourism industry. He added that Egyptian, Arab and Western investors would not be able to help Egypt's economy recover as long as the country is unstable. He also said that it was wrong to accuse all of the country's businessmen of wrongdoing, adding that many are honourable people who helped create jobs for Egyptians, insisting that the private sector will be vital in reviving Egypt's ailing economy. Sawiris also rejected the idea of progressive taxes on those with high incomes, saying the idea may work in the future but at the moment investors need incentives that encourage them to invest in the country. The businessman also brushed away reports that he may transfer his business overseas, saying he is proud of being Egyptian and would not live in any other country. He also urged the country's Copts to participate in the next parliamentary elections, whether they are held in September or postponed. He said elections should indeed be postponed in order to help newly formed political parties prepare for them. Sawiris added that Egyptians are one people and there are no differences between Muslims and Christians. However, he asked that a law be passed that bans protests in front of houses of worship.
