As Egypt approaches parliamentary elections amid restricted freedoms and a shrinking public sphere, debate over the value of party politics is resurfacing. The Progress Party, still under formation, is trying to carve out a place between political constraints and what its founders regard as the necessity of participation.<\/p>\n
In this interview with Zawia3, the party\u2019s secretary-general, Yasser El-Hawary, explains its origins, social-democratic outlook and timing. He discusses the National Dialogue, parliamentary participation and cooperation with pro-government parties, and responds to allegations of prior coordination with security agencies.<\/p>\n
The conversation also covers the economy, human rights, political prisoners, exiled opponents, blocked news websites and Egypt\u2019s role in the war in Gaza.<\/p>\n