Progressive Egyptians Seek A Unified Movement
A group of more than 150 politicians and activists held a press conference at a downtown Cairo hotel to announce the launch of the much-hyped “Egyptian Third Current” last week. Bassem Sabry writes about the meteoric rise of the movement, which includes almost every major secular, liberal and leftist party or movement.
![Supporters are seen outside building where ElBaradei is launching Constitution party during news conference in Cairo Supporters are seen outside the building where Mohamed ElBaradei is launching his new party named "Dustour" (Constitution) during a news conference in Cairo April 28, 2012. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany (EGYPT - Tags: POLITICS ELECTIONS)](/sites/default/files/styles/article_hero_medium/public/almpics/2012/q3/ElBaradei.jpg/ElBaradei.jpg?h=2d235432&itok=ukIHH5-v)
Last Thursday, a congregation of more than 150 politicians and activists held a press conference in a five-star hotel in downtown Cairo to announce the launch of the much-hyped “Egyptian Third Current.” The attendees included almost every major secular, liberal and leftist party or movement, a number of civil rights organizations, as well as the presidential campaigns of Hamdeen Sabahi and Khaled Ali. Even Mohamed ElBaradei’s “National Association for Change” and Al-Dostour party were there.
The purpose of the flashy gathering was to herald the commencement of a harsh and grueling undertaking: the establishment of a unified, progressive, civic-democratic political movement that would work to counterbalance Islamist political forces, the former ruling National Democratic Party factions and military institutions, and create what is at least a more balanced national political environment.