Egypt’s newly appointed Prime Minister Kamal el-Ganzouri says that the military junta has promised to give him considerably more authority than the previous “interim” prime ministers were given, saying he wouldn’t have accepted the job otherwise.
“I will take full authority so I’m able to serve my country,” insisted Ganzouri, who also served as Hosni Mubarak’s prime minister during the late 90’s. He also dismissed the idea that the military junta would retain power, saying he was confident Field Marshal Tantawi had no intention of staying in power.
At the same time, the military junta has ruled out ceding power any time soon, saying that the only choice was for the army to continue to control the nation through its elections, which are expected to last years.
And even though Ganzouri is touting the powers of his now position, it doesn’t sound like he will form a new government any time soon, saying the cabinet won’t be ready in time for the first round of elections, which begin on Monday.