Thousands gather to hear new Egyptian president

Muslim Brotherhood supporters gathered in Cairo's Tahrir Square yesterday (Getty Images)

Thousands of Muslim Brotherhood supporters gathered in Cairo's Tahrir Square yesterday to hear the president-elect speak on the eve of his inauguration as Egypt's first Islamist, civilian president.

"I swear to God, I will protect the republican system, I will protect the constitution," Mohamed Morsi told the gathered crowds.

"We will continue on the path to a civil state, a constitutional state" he added, in what was viewed as a symbolic oath of office.

The speech was given as concerns grew about whether the nation's military rulers have handed Mohamed Morsi a poisoned chalice. He appears to have had his hands tied by a series of decrees and judicial decisions. Following the controversial dissolution of parliament, the military council declared that it alone had the power to legislate. That will change once a fresh batch of MPs are elected – though nobody knows exactly how or when this will happen.