This week, in a sequence reminiscent of the first revolutionary wave of January 2011, Egypt’s military took the side of the people and deposed an elected president. Is this an end to Egyptian democracy? Not at all. This is the second wave of our revolution.

Egypt’s new generation, which forms a majority in this country, has shed the garb of authoritarianism and its anachronisms. It is determined to transform Egypt into a modern democracy. It is disorganised and chaotic, but strong. Two and a half years ago, this generation claimed its rights.

The dignity, peacefulness, creativity and tolerance of the uprising created a moment of greatness that surprised everyone. We were fully aware of the risks. We were fighting two better-organised forces: the Muslim Brotherhood and the entrenched authoritarianism of state institutions. Still, we chose to build a democratic alliance with the Brotherhood. They pledged to set up a modern and democratic regime.