End of The Liberal Experiment
Egypt's only attempt to establish parliamentary institutions along European lines was short lived. Reasons suggested for the failure of the Liberal Experiment include:
- Nature of the constitution: It awarded extensive powers to the king, including the right to appoint the prime minister and dissolve parliament, and so created a weak legislature.
- British Interference: They continued to undermine the integrity of the parliamentary government.
- No compromise: Neither the Wafd nor any of the smaller parties adopted the principles of compromise and respect for the opposition that are essential for the proper conduct of constitutional government.
- Continual struggle: Politics was not focused on the nation but on the struggle between the Wafd, the monarchy, and the British.
Read more about this topic: Egypt's Liberal Experiment
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