CAIRO - Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's son Gamal Mubarak has dismissed speculation that his meteoric rise in the country's ruling party means he is being groomed to succeed his father.
In a rare interview on state television late Monday, the younger Mubarak insisted he had no plans to run in the next presidential election in 2011 or any subsequent votes.
"I do not have the desire or wish to nominate myself," he said.
Gamal, 42, has repeatedly said he has no aspiration to succeed his father, who has been in power for a quarter of a century, despite his increasing influence in the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP).
Earlier this year, he was promoted to NDP deputy secretary general, a post he holds in addition to heading the party's policies committee, probably the most important organ within the NDP.
Gamal's political rise convinced many that he was actually being prepared to take over the helm from his 77-year-old father.
The rumors resurfaced this month following his engagement to the daughter of a wealthy businessman.
Gamal's television interview focused on his efforts to lead economic and political reforms within the NDP and in government.
Many see him as the leader of a young guard in the regime and the man really running the country, the most populous in the Arab world.
The pro-reform Kefaya (Enough) movement has been leading a relentless campaign against "hereditary power" and rallying the people against any attempt to allow the younger Mubarak to succeed his father.
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