New governors boost influence of Brotherhood

CAIRO: Egypt’s president on Sunday appointed 17 new provincial governors, including seven members of his Muslim Brotherhood, adding to its already considerable power in the legislative and executive branches.
Muhammad Mursi’s appointments come before the June 30 anniversary of his taking office, when the liberal and secular Egyptian opposition plans mass demonstrations to demand his ouster.
A leading opponent, Mohamed ElBaradei, told a group of striking writers, film makers and Opera House staffers on Sunday, “We hope to see early departure of the regime ... it’s a surreal and absurd regime.”
The opposition accuses Mursi and his allies of trying to monopolize power and install their operatives in every state institution. The Brotherhood accuses the opposition of trying to unseat Mursi after failing in elections.
Besides the new Brotherhood governors, the appointment of Adel El-Khayat, a member of the political arm of ex-Islamic militant group Gamaa Islamiya, drew attention. He will rule the ancient southern city of Luxor, a main tourist site.