CAIRO: President Muhammad Mursi addressed the Egyptian people yesterday in a televised address that determined his political survival as millions prepare to rally to demand his removal this weekend.

Fears of a showdown in the streets between Mursi’s supporters and a broad coalition of the disaffected have led people to stock up on food. Long lines of cars outside fuel stations have snarled roads in Cairo and other cities.

The army and police are preparing to contain any trouble, adding men and barriers around important public buildings. The government promises to allow peaceful protests but many fear that, with huge crowds, any trouble could spin out of control.

The army has warned politicians it could effectively take charge again if they fail to reconcile. Some in the anti-Mursi camp might welcome that, but government supporters say they would fight any “coup” against Egypt’s first freely elected leader.

Politics are polarized between Mursi’s Muslim Brotherhood and disparate opponents who have lost a series of elections.

The deadlock has contributed to a deepening economic crisis and the government is running out of cash.

Washington has urged Mursi to bring the opposition into the political process and to press ahead with economic reforms.

The army is held in high regard by Egyptians, especially since it pushed aside Mubarak following the 2011 uprising. Its chief issued a warning on Sunday, urging compromise while also defending the legitimacy of Mursi’s election.

One senior Western diplomat in Cairo said the army might try to impose a solution, especially if the political deadlock turns violent: “The margin for a political solution is definitely very narrow,” he said. “If violence crosses a certain threshold, the role of the army might become by default more proactive.”

Government supporters, oppressed for decades, fear a return of military rule. They accuse Mubarak-era institutions, including courts, state media, police and civil service, of working to undermine Mursi.

An officer in one of Egypt’s internal security agencies told Reuters this week that the protest rallies could be the trigger for change.