Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan threatened pro-democracy protesters that they would “pay a price” and he said he would have to “speak the language” they understand.

The protests began on 27 May to oppose the development of a public park in Istanbul, and an ensuing police crackdown sparked massive nationwide protests in at least 78 cities.  The action shows no signs of abating, even as police again used tear gas and water cannons on demonstrators in Ankara and Istanbul.

Erdogan went around Ankara in an open top bus (and a plaid grandpa jacket.. no style) , delivering tough talking speeches to hundreds of supporters.  He said his patience was running out with the protesters, and accused them of being disrespectful to women in Islamic dress and bringing beer and shoes inside of mosques.

His increasingly belligerent tone could inflame tensions.  On two occasions over the weekend, Erdogan supporters clashed with protestors.

Although there are many agendas and grudges at play, the urban protesters generally favor Turkey’s secular state and greater freedoms, Erdogan represents rural conservatism and greater reach of conservative Islam in Government.