Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Wikileaks [33]: Gamal Mubarak's succession "remains deeply unpopular on the street..."


C O N F I D E N T I A L CAIRO 002010
SUBJECT: EGYPT: ACTIONS LOUDER THAN WORDS - GAMAL MUBARAK
AND THE PRESIDENCY
....The possibility that Gamal might succeed his father remains deeply unpopular on the street - a sentiment often echoed by commentators in the independent and opposition press. Conventional wisdom holds that Suzanne Mubarak is her younger son's most ardent booster.... The intra-family politics of a Gamal succession bid are unclear. Elder son Alaa', well-known to have extensive business interests (many of which are privately criticized as corrupt and exploitative) keeps a low public profile and has never shown any inclination to wade into the political arena. .... Unlike the President, the First Lady is often photographed at public events with Gamal, frequently in connection with social issues. Her power and influence, many argue, are keys to Gamal's viability. Sources tell us that she has kept Mubarak pere from naming a Vice President..."

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