Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said there was nothing unusual in the country’s anti-government protests.

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said there was nothing unusual in the country’s anti-government protests.

"Of course, we are in the middle of a political cycle -- the parliamentary elections have finished and the presidential elections are going to start," Putin said in a televised message to Russians ahead of the New Year.

"In such times, politicians always exploit the feelings of citizens, everything gets shaken around a bit, boils up. But this is the unavoidable price of democracy," Putin said.
"There is nothing unusual here," he added.

Putin also sent his greetings to all Russians, whatever their political sympathies.
"I want to wish wellbeing and prosperity to all Russians and their families -- regardless of their political leanings and including those on the left, the right, above, or below, wherever in fact," said Putin.

Mass protests took place earlier this month against the rule of Putin’s party. The protesters denounce the alleged rigging of parliamentary elections and Putin's domination of Russia ahead of his candidacy in March presidential polls.

In the last days, Putin belittled the opposition as leaderless and “have no program”.
Earlier, he accused the United States of inciting unrest following the elections, calling for a dialogue between the government and the opposition.