French cities have also seen public anger taken to the streets.Unions said nearly 300 May Day marches were organised. Managers joined workers to protest over loss of jobs and purchasing power, disillusioned by President Sarkozy’s social policies and handling of the financial crisis. The slogans alternated between revolution and despair.

In Paris, CFDT union leader Francois Chereque said: “Make no mistake. This will last till tomorrow, and will continue. We will find solutions to carry on the movement.” Several tens of thousands banded together in the capital. A union source gave the total turnout across France as 1.2 million, the police less than half that. The unions demand more help for seniors and the young, and call it a scandal that the government has put 26 billion euros of stimulus investment in bosses’ pockets but done nothing to help consumers.More about: Financial Crisis, France

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