Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi was sworn in for his third term on Tuesday in the country's new capital, the largest of the mega-projects that have signified his rule while stretching the country's finances. Sisi swept to victory in an election in December with 89.6% of the vote and no serious challengers. While his message of stability and security resonated with some voters with the war raging in neighboring Gaza, many showed indifference, occupied with rising prices and considering the result a foregone conclusion. Since Sisi became president in 2014, Egypt has embarked on an infrastructure splurge spearheaded by the military, which Sisi says is essential for economic development and to accommodate a population that has grown by 6 million since hitting the 100 million four years ago. The $58 billion New Administrative Capital in the desert east of Cairo is the largest of the mega projects, which also include an expansion of the Suez Canal, extensive road building, and other new cities. (Reuters)
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