Dr. Essam El-Erian, Freedom and Justice Party (FJP) Vice-Chairman, expressed surprise at attempts by certain leaders to convince themselves there was no military coup in Egypt, stressing that the patronage will come to an end.

Erian wondered, "Was reading the coup statement, in the Ministry of Defense, by the Minister in his military uniform, not enough? Was the rapid descent of tanks into all cities and squares not enough? Was removing the legitimate president by force of arms, and preventing him from meeting his family, supporters, advisers or even his lawyer the rule of law? Did sacking the government, as a consequence of ousting the President allow the Defense Minister to keep his job?

"If this is not a de facto coup, what law is the ongoing upheaval in Egypt based on? Technically, the Minister of Defense has already sacked himself by dismissing the President. Where is the rule of law? Where are the brave protectors of the rule of law?"