Hosni Mubarak

Following President Anwar Sadat's assassination by Islamist extremists, Vice President Hosni Mubarak assumed the presidency. He declared a state of emergency and initiated a crackdown on political opposition, consolidating his power.

Mubarak extended Egypt's state of emergency, originally enacted after Sadat's assassination. The law granted security forces broad powers of arrest and surveillance, remaining in effect for nearly 30 years and becoming a tool for suppressing political dissent.

Under domestic and international pressure, Mubarak allowed limited multi-candidate presidential elections. He won with 88% of the vote, but the elections were widely criticized for irregularities and lack of genuine competition, with opposition candidates facing harassment.

Mass protests erupted across Egypt demanding Mubarak's resignation. After 18 days of demonstrations, Mubarak stepped down on February 11, 2011, transferring power to the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces. He was later tried for corruption and complicity in killing protesters.