Egypt’s Al-Sisi rules out constitutional changes, warns against psychological warfare

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi stated that the country’s agreed-upon constitution will not be touched, issuing a warning against ongoing attempts to manipulate public awareness and destabilise the state through misinformation.

Speaking at the 44th Cultural Seminar, titled “Homeland of Heroes,” marking the 53rd anniversary of the October War at the Egyptian Military Academy in the New Administrative Capital, Sisi repeated his assurance regarding the constitution. He stressed that no one should tamper with the minds of citizens, describing recent rumours as deliberate efforts to falsify reality, provoke public opinion, and recreate the instability the state faced in 2011.

Addressing historical and economic parallels, Sisi referenced remarks made during the event by Ahmed Aboul Gheit, which compared the nation’s hurdles in 1973 with those in 2013, when the primary challenge was preserving the Egyptian state’s national identity. The president noted that while former President Anwar Sadat reversed 1976 economic reforms due to protests, Egypt is currently continuing its economic reform programme to achieve development. He added that over the past 14 years, the state has incurred costs exceeding EGP 120 bn in its fight against terrorism.

Reflecting on his tenure in military intelligence, Sisi recalled discussions with former Defence Minister Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi and U.S. officials regarding the Muslim Brotherhood’s temporary rise to power. He stated his consistent view that the survival and continuation of state institutions remain the absolute priority, regardless of who governs.

On regional affairs, Sisi responded to recent statements by an Israeli official regarding Sinai, affirming that Egypt has no hidden agendas or ambitions towards others. He reiterated Egypt’s commitment to its borders, the peace treaty, and a two-state solution. Furthermore, Sisi declared that the national security of Gulf states is an inseparable extension of Egyptian national security, confirming Cairo’s readiness to support de-escalation and secure regional navigation.

The commemorative event featured documentaries, musical performances by the Ministry of Youth and Sports choir, and a presentation by digital transformation expert Ziad Abdel Tawab on social media’s role in spreading misinformation. State officials in attendance included Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Minister of Defence and Military Production Ashraf Salem Zaher, Chief of Staff Ahmed Khalifa, House of Representatives Speaker Hesham Badawy, Senate Speaker Essam El-Din Farid, and Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Hussein Issa.