Protesters to join nationwide march as France braces for day of strike action

Hospital workers, air traffic and rail staff expected to join strikes amid renewed protests over education and rising living costs

Hundreds of thousands 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.

President 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. Meanwhile, the government is struggling to pass a belt-tightening budget in a divided parliament as public debt approaches 120% of economic output.