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Morsi holds last pre-election presser, reiterates pledges to public Presidential finalist Mohamed Morsi holds press conference Wednesday before 48-hour 'silent period,' states plans for Egypt's future if elected
Presidential candidate Mohammed Morsi held a press conference on Wednesday, the last day before the electoral silence period preceding the runoff between him and Ahmed Shafiq. He took the opportunity to reiterate his promises to the political forces who have been demanding guarantees of rights and freedoms as a prerequisite for voting for Morsi. Morsi said that he was willing to be a civil servant, adding, "I will never betray the people or this country." He also said he was willing to help play a positive role in the future of Egypt and establish a good, fair life for Egyptian citizens. Morsi said the country would not be run by a single president who will take control of everything, explaining that his would be a presidential institution in which he would work together with young revolutionaries and former candidates and Copts as well as Salafists, with women having a major role in society. Morsi further explained that he would form a coalition government where members will be chosen according to competence: "It will not be a dominated by Freedom and Justice Party figures." In addition, Morsi released and read a document in which he declared his pledges to the public. He cited the main issues the Egyptian citizen faces daily, which would be his top priorities as president: security and stability, traffic, the availability of fuel, the quality and pricing of bread, waste disposal and health care. He also said he would reduce the number of tax-paying families from one million to five hundred, and raise pensions from a total of LE1 million to LE3 million. He also said he guaranteed 700 thousand job opportunities annually, promising to expand agricultural land and drop taxes imposed on farmers. Finally, he mentioned how the media would have absolute freedom of expression and the freedom with which to critise people in power in accordance with codes of honour and the law; no TV station or newspaper will be shut down. The press conference took place in a luxurious hotel in Heliopolis. The runoffs will take place on 16-17 June and the new president will be announced on June 21. http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/44806.aspx
