Former President Hosni Mubarak argued in a telephone recording with Al-Masry Al-Youm journalist Mohsen Semaika that former Defense Minister Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is the most viable option for president.
"You have no other choice but Sisi now," Mubarak said. "Sisi is the sole one on stage who fits for president."
Presidential hopeful Hamdeen Sabbahi, on the other hand, Mubarak said was not fit for the job.
Mubarak accused Sabbahi of adopting a Nasserist approach just to sway people. "[Late President Gamal] Abdel Nasser ruled with an iron fist and whoever opened his mouth was jailed," Mubarak said.
"Sabbahi befriends Nasser's son, but once he gets to power, he will kick people out," Mubarak added.
Sabbahi's presidential campaign happily responded to Mubarak's criticism. "Ousted President Hosni Mubarak's attack against Sabbahi is a medal of honor added to his record of struggles," the campaign said in a statement.
Mubarak's statement confirms that Mubarak-era symbols are behind the smear campaign of Sabbahi, the statement added.
Mubarak resides at Maadi Military Hospital as he stands for retrial over corruption charges and the killing of protesters in 25 January revolution.
The first round of presidential elections following the ouster of Islamist President Mohamed Morsy are scheduled for 26 and 27 May. Sisi and Sabbahi are the most outstanding candidates for president so far.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
