 Egypt's long-serving president asked parliament Sunday to amend a constitution article that had been criticized as tailored to allow his son to succeed him. But reform advocates show little enthusiasm for that or other measures he outlined, glum that any will result in much change. Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak told parliament that article 76 should be changed to make it easier for candidates from political parties to run for president, but did not provide details. Mubarak, 78, also dismissed speculation that he would step down before his term ends in 2011.
| When he will be... ummm... 82? |
"I will ask for a new amendment for article 76 to complete and achieve the goals of last year's amendment," Mubarak told the parliament in a speech marking the beginning of the new session. The opposition has demanded that the article be changed, claiming it opens the way for Gamal Mubarak, the president's youngest son, to become Egypt's next leader. |