In a recent development, Egyptian parliamentarian Mahmoud Badr has responded to statements made by potential presidential candidate Ahmed El-Tantawi concerning the possibility of reconciliation with the Muslim Brotherhood. El-Tantawi had previously commented that reconciliation is primarily a societal decision, emphasizing that there isn’t any significant political tension on the streets, even towards the Muslim Brotherhood. He further critiqued the portrayal of such tensions as an attempt by the authorities to present themselves as the guardians of society.

Badr, however, took issue with El-Tantawi’s remarks, suggesting they were overly simplistic. He pointed out that the Brotherhood had taken up arms, engaged in acts of terror, and confronted the nation with armed militias. Badr also accused the group of being traitors working for intelligence agencies against the country’s interests. He emphasized that the issue isn’t as trivial as neighborhood disputes but is a national concern, not just a political one.

It’s worth noting that Mahmoud Badr was a prominent figure during the political events of June 30, 2013. He has since become a businessman and secured a parliamentary position. Critics argue that he was used as a front for the project that led to the ousting of the elected Egyptian president, the late Mohamed Morsi, following massive protests against him.