On October 7, President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt found himself unexpectedly unpopular, despite being seen as a guaranteed shoo-in for a third term in office. His authoritarian grip on the country has allowed him to dominate elections, but the slow economic collapse of the country has left a lasting impact. The war has taken precedence over the country’s financial concerns for many Egyptians, as well as Western partners and Persian Gulf supporters.
Mr. el-Sisi has positioned himself as a champion of the Palestinian cause at home and a key regional leader abroad, benefiting from widespread support for the Palestinian people in Egypt. The three-day presidential vote appears to be a mere formality as none of the three challengers stand a chance of unseating him.
However, the president will need to tread carefully as the economic crisis continues to bleed households, companies, and the nation’s finances. This has led to widespread boycotts of Western companies associated with supporting Israel, and a reluctance to serve brands associated with such support. The ongoing war with Israel has reignited his popularity, but Egypt’s economic woes are still a significant challenge facing his administration.
The situation has strained Egypt’s relationship with Israel, particularly as the country faces financial difficulties and the public continues to support the Palestinians. Egypt’s involvement has increased, but the president must navigate the ongoing conflict and the domestic financial crisis to ensure continued support.