Protesters join street demonstrations across France on day of strike action

Hospital workers, air traffic and rail staff expected to join industrial action as 70,000 police officers deployed

Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to march in demonstrations across France as trade unions call for a nationwide strike expected to extend to hospital workers, air traffic control, the post office, teachers and rail staff.

A total of 70,000 police officers were deployed across France on Thursday morning as street demonstrations began in cities including Marseille, Grenoble and Lyon.

Emmanuel Macron’s final months in office continue to be marred by domestic crises, as high school students protesting over poor teaching conditions have been joined by workers in weekly protests over the cost of living.