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A Critical Reading of Egyptian Advocacy for Constitutional Monarchy and Parliamentary Republic

In the Tuesday, May 6, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram, veteran scholar and statesman Dr. Mostafa El-Feki published an article entitled “Constitutional Monarchy... and Parliamentary Republic,” drawing on his firsthand experience in the United Kingdom, India, and Austria to propose two contrasting yet stabilizing models of governance for Egypt.

Main Arguments

Dr. El-Feki argues that constitutional monarchy and parliamentary republic stand as the world’s most stable systems, effectively countering absolutism and authoritarianism. He points to Britain’s constitutional monarchy—rooted in dynastic tradition—for its historical continuity, and to India’s and Austria’s parliamentary republics—underpinned by strong party institutions—for their broader political participation. Convinced that Egypt could thrive as a parliamentary republic, he insists this model demands the formation of solid, enduring political parties to safeguard democracy.

Critical Perspective

Although the article offers valuable comparative insight, it tends to simplify complex realities. Elevating the historical pedigree of constitutional monarchy without addressing the socio-religious dynamics specific to Arab contexts overlooks potential sources of division. Likewise, advocating a parliamentary republic without outlining concrete reforms—such as transparent party financing or equitable electoral laws—leaves the proposal abstract. Dr. El-Feki’s critique of Israel’s “democratic façade” rightly warns against pseudo-democratic cover, yet it underestimates the deeper legitimacy risks posed by Egypt’s current absence of genuine party competition. Moreover, his reliance on personal anecdotes from Britain’s 19th-century constitutional reforms and India’s bicameral system does not fully account for the divergent political cultures and legal traditions that shape each nation’s governance.

Reviving Monarchy?

Dr. El-Feki’s essay reignites the debate between advocates for reviving Egypt’s liberal interwar parliamentary era and skeptics wary of monarchical resurgence. It underscores that strengthening the party system is a non-negotiable prerequisite for any viable transition. Ultimately, choosing between a constitutional monarchy or a parliamentary republic will depend on translating theoretical models into practical legal frameworks, securing genuine political will, and forging a broad societal consensus. Only through sustained institutional development and inclusive political participation can Egypt navigate a stable democratic future.

Photo: Flag of Al-Mamlaka Al-Miṣreyya 1922–1953, Wikipedia

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