France hit by protests and strikes over Macron’s public service cuts

Demonstrators march during a protest called by major trade unions to oppose budget cuts in Nantes, western France (Mathieu Pattier/AP)

Protesters have hit France with transport strikes, demonstrations and traffic blockades, pitting the power of the streets against President Emmanuel Macron’s government and its proposals to cut funding for public services.

The first whiffs of police tear gas came before daybreak on Thursday, with scuffles between riot officers and protesters in Paris.