Kamal al-Ganzouri: Egypt's Prime Minister

After mass protests and escalating international pressure, the ruling military powers have appointed an interim leader for Egypt.

Following a week of violent protests in Tahrir Square, Egypt’s ruling military government has appointed a new interim prime minister, Kamal al-Ganzouri. The 78-year-old former prime minister is believed to have been selected because he actively opposed Mubarak as premier from 1996 to 1999 and lobbied for liberalizing economic reforms. He was also popular for his work to combat poverty. Egyptian protestors have increased calls for an immediate transfer of power to a civilian government just days before the parliamentary elections are set to begin. On Friday, U.S. officials echoed those calls.