Hundreds of thousands took to the streets in May Day demonstrations across Russia on Sunday.

Hundreds of thousands took to the streets in May Day demonstrations across Russia on Sunday, most showing support for the Kremlin while others held what is known by “Arab-style” opposition rallies.

Anti-Kremlin protesters were greatly outnumbered by pro-government demonstrators mobilized by the ruling United Russia party and Kremlin-friendly trade unions, which claimed a turnout of two million people.

Russia is gearing up to hold parliamentary elections in December followed by presidential polls next March in which both President Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin are considering running.

While calling for better social security, most protesters expressed support for Kremlin policies.

The ruling party said some 25,000 people turned up in Moscow alone to support it with slogans like "People! Medvedev! Putin! Together we are a force!"

--Archive

Several thousand opposition supporters of all hues gathered separately to protest against Kremlin policies.

In central Moscow, the Left Front leftist activists urged Russians to follow the example of the Arab world and turn against their leaders.

The activists chanted: "Whether Cairo or Moscow, only through fighting will you obtain rights!" and "Tandem to the scrap yard of history" -- referring to the duo of president and prime minister.

Analysts however say the Russian opposition is fragmented and unlikely to muster an uprising that could sweep the ruling duo from power.

The government, which is regularly criticized for violently dispersing opposition rallies, also appears keen to show the country enjoys freedom of assembly.

In remote Vladivostok, where many residents entertain anti-government sentiments, more than 50,000 people participated in demonstrations organized by the regional government and led by United Russia.