Sisi, whose face can be seen on posters, t-shirts, and even chocolates across Egypt, evokes fear among his opponents who worry about the return of a military president. However, to investors and many Egyptians, Sisi represents a chance for stability after years of political unrest following the Arab Spring. Despite his role in toppling Egypt's first freely-elected president, Mohamed Mursi, Sisi is seen as a potential solution to the country's economic and political challenges. His strong popularity suggests he will likely win the upcoming presidential elections. While Sisi is known for his decisive nature, he will need to address the significant economic issues facing Egypt. Many believe that he is the leader who can bring much-needed calm to the country. Western investors also appear to have confidence in Sisi's ability to lead. Sterne stated that the change in attire from camouflage fatigues to a business suit by President Sisi is seen as a symbol of stability. Egyptian industry and investment minister Mounir Fakhry Abdel Nour acknowledges that Western governments may be cautious about this change but believes that investors will appreciate it in the long run. He mentioned that in the West, the election of a military officer to the presidency of a developing country may be viewed skeptically, but in the current state of Egypt, a strong leader is needed for unity and progress. Law and order are seen as beneficial for investment and the economy, as stated at the Cairo bourse. Throughout history, generals-turned-politicians have had varying reputations, with George Washington being widely praised as a statesman for his leadership in the war of independence and presidency. Augusto Pinochet, a strongman who overthrew an elected Chilean government in 1973, implemented economic reforms but faced accusations of serious human rights abuses during his dictatorship. Security forces cracked down on pro-Brotherhood activists protesting Mursi's overthrow, leading to hundreds of deaths. Despite efforts to curb dissent and public gatherings, Sinai-based Islamist militants have carried out high-profile attacks. The economy has struggled due to massive debt, a weak Egyptian pound, and political uncertainty, deterring foreign direct investment. However, aid from Gulf allies has boosted infrastructure growth and allowed for economic reforms. Household spending in Egypt has increased, and foreign companies like Samsung and Coca-Cola have made significant investments in the country. Overall, foreign direct investment has been slow to grow, reaching $1.25 billion between July and September last year. Total FDI reached $3 billion in the year ending June 2013, a decrease of nearly $1 billion compared to the previous year, during a period of turmoil in Egypt. Prior to the 2011 revolution, Egypt was attracting approximately $8 billion in net FDI annually. The stock market in Egypt has recently reached a five-year high and the global economy is in better shape than during Mubarak's presidency, which should create a more favorable investment environment for Sisi. However, concerns have been raised about Sisi's retention of officials and policies from the Mubarak era, which could hinder growth and maintain financial vulnerabilities. Sisi has not provided much detail on his economic policies, but has acknowledged the challenging economic conditions in Egypt. He discussed the issue of fuel subsidies costing $15 billion annually, draining foreign currency that could be used to pay off debts and improve payment terms. Investment minister Abdel Nour suggested that President Sisi may use his popularity to implement necessary but difficult economic reforms. Arabtec signed a $40 billion deal to build homes in Egypt, signaling potential Gulf investment in the country's infrastructure. Gulf companies, with their cohesive shareholder base, may be more willing to invest in Egypt compared to Western firms. Western investors, concerned about violence, are more cautious and have a short-term outlook. The influx of Gulf cash has encouraged Western investors to follow suit, but opinions are divided on whether an IMF loan with tough reforms is the solution. Legal obstacles, rather than corruption and subsidies, may be hindering Western companies from investing in Egypt. Moheb Malak, an economist based in Cairo at Prime Securities, emphasized the importance of legislation in addition to subsidy reform, noting that it is currently not receiving much attention. A proposed investment law is aimed at preventing third parties from disputing contracts between the government and investors in order to encourage more investment. These clauses are meant to reassure investors who have been unsettled by previous legal challenges that have left government-sold companies in uncertain legal situations. Malak also mentioned that while Egypt may need a strong leader, it also requires significant improvements to its investment policy.