Mursi Marks Anniversary in Office, Egypt’s Opposition Prepare for Weekend Protests

Local Editor

The Egyptian President Mohammad Mursi acknowledged committing mistakes in a televised speech on Wednesday, warning that political polarization was threatening the country's democratic process prior to massive opposition protests over the weekend.

In a nearly three-hour speech marking his first anniversary in office, Mursi acknowledged making mistakes.

"Political polarization and conflict has reached a stage that threatens our nascent democratic experience and threatens to put the whole nation in a state of paralysis and chaos," said Mursi.

Hours before Mursi's speech, clashes in the northern city of Mansoura killed at least one and injured around 170 others, according to a Health Ministry spokesman.

"[Mursi] didn't seem at all rattled by upcoming protests. He said that he's the legitimate president under the constitution and that should be respected." said France 24's correspondent in Cairo.

Over the past few months, an opposition campaign called "Tamarod" - or rebellion in Arabic - has launched a petition calling for Mursi's ouster.

Tamarod volunteers have gathered at public spaces in Egyptian towns and cities, collecting signatures for a petition calling for early elections.

On another note, Egyptians have been stocking up on essential goods with long lines at gas ahead of Ramadan, a period of high-spending for Muslims.

For their part, opposition supporters appeared unconvinced by Mursi's arguments Wednesday night, calling the President a liar in shouts in Tahrir Square.

Source: France24, edited by website team