Clashes on Wednesday between opponents and supporters of the Islamist government of Egyptian president Mohammed Morsi left one dead and hundreds injured, as the country braces for what are expected to be massive June 30 protests marking the one year anniversary of Morsi’s inauguration. Morsi has shifted the blame for the growing discontent and escalating violence:

In an address to the nation from Cairo on Wednesday, he acknowledged that he made errors but also blamed unspecified “enemies of Egypt” for damaging the democratic system that sprung out of the uprising of 2011.

“Political polarisation 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 Morsi.

“The enemies of Egypt have not spared effort in trying to sabotage the democratic experience,” he added.

The charge is in line with accusations made by several Cabinet ministers recently, to the effect hostile rumors and corruption were responsible for the country’s worsening economic malaise. Large showdowns between pro and anti-government demonstrators may begin as early as Friday.

Four Cabinet ministers lined up in front of cameras inside the presidential palace late Tuesday, trying to calm citizens’ fears, as the Islamist government appeared desperate to grapple with successive political and economic crises that are hitting the country, adding to public discontent.

Government officials blamed nervous hoarding and black market diversions for the shortages. People are stocking up on staples, including fuel, ahead of the protests. Heavy subsidies on Egypt’s fuel have caused distortions in the economy, encouraging some to make quick profits by illegally reselling gasoline and diesel.

Supporters of the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood, to which Morsi is linked, plan to march in support of the president. Marches by both sides will continue throughout the weekend.

[Photo: RamyRaoof / Flickr]