Protests held in 200 towns and cities across France over spending cuts

Protesters set off flares during a new round of strikes (Michel Euler/AP)

Protesters have taken to the streets of more than 200 towns and cities across France to denounce spending cuts and demand higher taxes on the rich.

In Paris, thousands of workers, pensioners and students started marching on Thursday afternoon from Place d’Italie. The Eiffel Tower was closed due to the strike.