Although the situation is a déjà vu of similar protests over the last five years in Ukraine, this time the marchers in the streets of Kiev are more numerous than ever.

The participants are as many as in 2007: at least 40 to 50 thousand have gathered at the most important buildings in Kiev, including the parliament and Independence Square, which was the epicenter of the Orange Revolution.

Their sole demand is the change of power in Ukraine and to conduct another preliminary parliamentary election to change the political landscape once and for all.

The protesters believe that the current government has left the country in an impoverished state, whilst taking a substantial hit from the world financial crisis.

Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko said Friday he would agree to an early presidential election only if they take place at the same time as parliamentary polls.

The crowds bore flags and banners of The Party of Regions with their slogans and logos. The organizers say that this is a one-day action, but the actual duration of that action cannot be predicted.

Earlier, the protests put a block on the working of the parliament. Later, however, protesters opened access to the building and removed posters calling for the resignation of the government from the walls.