President Mohammed Mursi has appeared before supporters in Cairo to defend a new decree that grants him sweeping powers.
He told them he was leading Egypt on a path to "freedom and democracy" and was the guardian of stability.
He was speaking as thousands of opponents gathered in Cairo's Tahrir Square and offices of the president's party were attacked in several cities.
The decree says presidential decisions cannot be revoked by any authority.

BBC News - Egypt President Mursi defends new powers amid protests