[QODLink]
Middle East
Egyptians unimpressed by cabinet reshuffle
Many Egyptians say changes irrelevant since the real decision-making power lies in the hands of the army.
Last Modified: 18 Jul 2011 19:02



Egypt's prime minister has reshuffled his cabinet following mounting pressure from protesters in Tahrir Square and elsewhere in the country.

The demonstrators blame Essam Sharraf's government for the slow pace of reform and for not being serious enough about putting members of the old regime on trial.

Many Egyptians say the changes to the cabinet are irrelevant since the real decision-making power in the country lies in the hands of the supreme military council.

Some analysts say the reshuffle is at best a change of names rather than policy, Dr Rabab el-Mahdi, a professor of political science at the American University in Cairo, said: "For one, they kept some of the ministers who served under Mubarak, like the minister of international co-operation and environment.

"Secondly, the new appointments also included names from the NDP [the former ruling party], like the minister of education."

The swearing in of the new cabinet has been postponed until Tuesday.

Al Jazeera's Sherine Tadros reports from Cairo.

Source:
Al Jazeera
Topics in this article
People
Country
City
Organisation
Featured on Al Jazeera
Murder of Somali draws ire of foreign African nationals over rising xenophobic violence.
We look at the impact of increased sanctions against the Islamic Republic and ask who it really affects.
Tupamaros enforce rough justice in Venezuela's slums to support socialism, but critics say the group are violent thugs.
More than a decade ago the US launched a war against Afghanistan, but was it a justified battle?
Featured
Two years since the start of the uprising, rebels and Assad's forces remain locked in conflict.
Extensive coverage of political unrest that spread from Istanbul to other areas.
Weeks of demonstrations could benefit AKP's grip on power - or be a game-changer.
More than 100 million girls have suffered genital 'cutting' to save family honour.
News and analysis of 2013 presidential contest as Ahmadinejad finishes second term.
join our mailing list