It goes without saying that a comprehensive process for reformulating Egyptian politics is just around the corner.

The last constitutional amendments have limited presidential terms to a maximum of four years, with candidates eligible to serve no more than two terms, and have stipulated the principles pertaining to presidential candidacy, elections, prerogatives and authorities. Next on the list should be all the aspects concerning the budget of the presidency and the benefits and privileges enjoyed by the occupant of this post. Strict regulations ought to be instituted in order to fulfil two objectives: first, the presidential budget should be sufficient to cover the post’s requirements and obligations. Second and equally important, there should be no place for extravagance or excesses since exaggerated privileges generate financial and political interests that always prove difficult to give up when a president has to leave office.