CAIRO, 3 September 2007 — For the past few weeks, rumors regarding the apparent failing health of Hosni Mubarak, Egypt’s 79-year-old president, have been widely discussed by the Egyptian opposition and independent newspapers.
The rumors spread after Mubarak failed to attend some of his previously scheduled meetings, including an annual meeting with university students. Egypt’s three main national newspapers have refrained from discussing the issue.
There have been widespread reactions to the rumors, especially among Egypt’s politicians. Suzanne Mubarak, wife of the president, has been precise and limited in her comments. In an attempt to put an end to the rumors, Suzanne, speaking in a television interview on Al-Arabiya yesterday, denied rumors that the president was ill.
“His health is excellent and he is as active as ever. I’m puzzled about who would benefit from spreading these rumors, which confuse the public,” she said, adding that those responsible should be punished.
Maged Mahmoud El-Sherbiny, from the National Democratic Party (NDP), blamed a minority for spreading the rumors. He added that such people aim to destabilize the state’s security.
Amal Othman, head of the legislative committee of the People’s Assembly, blamed the independent and opposition press for speculating on Mubarak’s health at this particular time ahead of the NDP elections. “Those who are responsible for these rumors want to cause a severe split within the Egyptian society and have no aim but to distract people’s attention from the achievements of Egypt. Since 2005, Mubarak has been working on applying his electoral program. For example, the illiteracy rate has decreased by 20 percent; new laws regarding people’s health are to be soon enforced thus leading to a better health service at very reasonable costs. Mubarak is being attacked to hinder him from accomplishing his mission but nothing will stop him,” said Othman.
