On the first day of his trip to Egypt, French President Emmanuel Macron says that the human rights situation is perceived as tougher than under Mubarak, and that it threatens the country’s stability, Reuters reports. “I think current policies are perceived by intellectuals and Egypt’s civil society as tougher than under the Mubarak regime,” Macron told reporters on the sidelines of a trip to Egypt. “I can’t see how you can pretend to ensure long-term stability in this country, which was at the heart of the Arab Spring and showed its taste for freedom, and think you can continue to harden beyond what’s acceptable or justified for security reasons,” Macron added. “I think that’s becoming paradoxical and harmful for Egypt itself.” However, at the same time, Macron insisted that it was necessary to maintain bilateral relations with Egypt, and that he’ll seek a “balance” by raising the subject of human rights while not cutting off dialogue. “Turning our backs on Egypt over these issues would just push it towards Russia, which is just waiting for that to happen,” he said. Macron faces pressure at home from rights activists and non-governmental organizations … Continue reading Macron: Egypt’s Human Rights Record Perceived Tougher Than Under Mubarak