Thousands of French workers have gone on strike and taken to the streets to criticise the handling of the economy by the government.
Polls show the action is backed by three quarters of the French public, reflecting growing disillusionment with President Nicolas Sarkozy's reform pledges. The global economic crisis has sent jobless numbers past two million and left many struggling with the high cost of living. Police said 85,000 people took part in the Paris march. Transport, energy and some government offices were affected as workers went off the job to join the protests.
Sonia Legg reports.
