Insight: El Sisi’s week of speeches give clearer view of the man and his plan – The National

Insight: El Sisi’s week of speeches give clearer view of the man and his plan – The National

It's not uncommon to see the Egyptian president sitting stony-faced listening to presentations by Cabinet ministers on development projects or panel speakers addressing an array of topics, as was the case during last week's World Youth Forum. He often cuts in and grab the microphone to ask for clarifications, offer counsel, heap praise or issue new orders.

His interventions, televised live, are sometimes pleasant, often impassioned but can also be angry. He vents frustration over a lack of popular co-operation with his government and laments the failure of officials to use time and resources better.

Whichever the case, they are always blunt.