Egypt's Sisi Says He Will Leave Office in 2030, Seeks Backing on Saudi Defence

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said on Oct. 17, 2026, that his presidency will end in 2030. He said he would leave office when his term ends in 2030 and not seek to remain in office. Reuters and The New York Times reported the remarks on the same date.

Presidential term rules were changed by constitutional amendments approved in a 2019 referendum. Those amendments extended presidential terms in Egypt to six years from four years. They allowed Sisi to seek a third term, according to the Miami Herald.

On Oct. 17, 2026, Sisi said Egypt would take any measures necessary to defend Saudi Arabia if asked. He sought parliament's backing to authorize defence assistance to Saudi Arabia. Egypt's parliament was to hold an emergency session to consider the request for approval, according to Al Jazeera and Reuters.

Egypt's presidency describes its domestic agenda as centered on industry, living conditions and social protection. Its 'Ebda' initiative for developing Egyptian industry aims to advance the industrial sector as the main driver of economic development, according to the presidency. Hayah Karima, an initiative launched by Sisi, aims to provide a decent life and improve services for priority care groups. The rural villages development project targets developing 4,584 villages, representing 58% of the population, at an estimated cost of 515 billion Egyptian pounds.

In health and social policy, the presidency lists an initiative to end waiting lists for surgeries in 11 medical specialties, which performed 1,161,786 surgeries since its launch in July 2018. A women's health support initiative aims at early detection of breast tumors and awareness of reproductive health and family planning. A pre-marriage screening initiative aims to ensure safe marriage and a generation free of hereditary and infectious diseases. The 'Kulluna Wahed' initiative aims to provide basic goods at affordable prices and achieve balance in the local market. Takaful and Karama is described as a conditional cash transfer program launched by the Ministry of Social Solidarity under development of social safety nets. The National Dialogue was commissioned by Sisi to coordinate with all societal groups on national work priorities.