As we prepare for the drafting of a new constitution in Egypt, this project needs no introduction. Our Political and Civil Freedoms program focuses on the philosophical aspects of Constitutional Law. The main objective is to direct public discussion in Egypt towards a serious debate over the role of government in society.
In addition to restructuring property rights in accordance with classical liberalism, this program aims at laying solid philosophical and social foundations for private property as an inalienable individual right and an essential condition for economic efficiency and prosperity.
For Classical Liberals, the freedom of assembly and association is essential, as it provides for the space for individuals to organize themselves to achieve common goals without resort to the compulsory authority of the state. Egypt has some notorious laws on association, unionization and assembly, this project aims at annuling or amending them in a way which grants maximum freedom of assembly and association.
Freedom of Expression is not only a basic constituent of Individual Liberty, but also a necessary condition for the sustainability of all other freedoms, since it provides for the only possible means to influence the choices of others without coercion. Our legal course of action is very simple: proposing the annulment of all codes regulating freedom of speech, conscience, opinion and artistic creation, except in matters pertaining to the protection of minors.
The reform of public administration in Egypt is an essential component of our legal approach for two main reasons. First, Egyptians are obsessed with administrative corruption, considering it to be the major reason for their miseries. Our argument for smaller government would gain considerable popularity if it was offered as a solution to corruption from an administrative perspective. Second, smaller government implies less government-sponsored jobs and services. The introduction of practical alternatives requires a thorough analysis of the administrative aspects of the present role of government.
The Rule of law stands on two pillars: a just and efficient judicial system and a public attitude of trust in and respect for the Law. Even when the executive branch of government fails to enforce the law, either deliberately or out of incompetence, a combination of judicial supervision and public vigilance is usually sufficient to restore order.