When Mohamed ElBaradei returned to Egypt, some suggested that he be appointed vice president, while others proposed he become prime minister. So I ask, is ElBaradei looking for a job? And are we looking for a job for ElBaradei? Do we want change, or do we want to ElBaradei to join the current regime?
ElBaradei himself didn’t talk about jobs. He isnt in need of one. He doesn’t even want the presidency. In his interviews, he made it clear, beyond a doubt, that he’s not after the presidency, but rather he’s after change leading to democracy–whether such a goal leads him to the presidency or not.
It seems we no longer believe that anybody could work for any reason other than their own personal interest, in the very limited sense of the word. But when I met ElBaradei I realized that the man is concerned about the future of his country, and isn’t after any personal gain. The former IAEA president simply doesn’t need to be in a position of authority.
ElBaradei doesn’t need a job. If he is appointed as vice president as some have suggested, then he won’t have the power to change anything, for the simple reason that he’ll be part of the existing regime. And as prime minister, ElBaradei will be just another state employee implementing orders from above. Nobody wants that.
ElBaradei isn’t looking for a job, but Egypt is looking for democracy.
ElBaradei brings together opposition forces, and whoever might think that they can can use this to their favor is mistaken, because people’s trust in ElBaradei stems from the fact that he comes from outside the regime. ElBaradei is recognized worldwide, and his desire to introduce change is felt by the public and the elite alike.
The problem isn’t with filling the office of prime minister or vice president. The real problem is with establishing a democratic regime that allows the devolution of power whereby voters feel they can change policies and choose their representatives depending on who will look after their interests.
ElBaradei is not looking for a job, and we don’t want to see faces change while policies remain the same.
Translated from the Arabic Edition.
