Egypt holds first ever televised presidential debate

Egypt has held its first ever televised presidential debate ahead of an election that begins later this month.
 
Two candidates of the 13 running took part.
 
Former Arab League chief Amr Moussa and ex-Muslim Brotherhood member Abdel Moneim Abol Fotouh traded barbs on their views on religion and their experience in government.
 
“With all due respect, does Amr Moussa think, having been a minister in the previous regime against which the Egyptian people revolted after 30 years, that the same man or figure can emerge to solve the problem? There is a rule that says the one who created the problem cannot solve it,” Fotouh said.
 
Moussa, who served as foreign minister under Hosni Mubarak for ten years, countered that his rival is being silent on the extent of his Islamist views.
 
He argued that Fotouh was still close to the Muslim Brotherhood and not supportive enough of Egyptian interests.
 
Millions of Egyptians watched the debate, which was broadcast on two private television channels.
 
After 15 months of military rule, the country goes to the polls on May 23 and 24.
 
A run-off next month between the top two candidates will be the climax to the promised handover to civilian rule.
 
The army seized power in February last year after the ouster of former leader Mubarak, who ruled Egypt for three decades.

Copyright © 2013 euronews