France braced for riots on day of protests against Nicolas Sarkozy

People protest during France's second nationwide strike in two months, to demand a boost to wages and greater protection form the crisis, in Marseille Photo: AFP
Up to two million people were expected to take part in more than 200 demonstrations protesting against President Nicolas Sarkozy's handling of the global financial crisis.the biggest was in Paris, where militants called for an increased minimum wage and higher taxes for the rich.
By early morning hundreds of riot police vans from the French CRS public order squad were lining major boulevards and squares.A spokesman said: "The warm, sunny weather is likely to bring out very big crowds - we are on full alert.' They were hoping to prevent a repeat of the violence which followed the last general strike in France on January 29.Then, luxury cars and designer goods shops were attacked by a mob which was held back from the Elysee Palace by police barricades.There were also numerous delays today on public transport, as major stations were closed along with schools, colleges, post offices and hospitals, with only skeleton staffs dealing with emergencies.The latest strike has wide support across the country, with 75 per cent of those questioned in several polls published on Wednesday saying they feared for their future and supported industrial action.President Sarkozy unveiled a package of proposals, including tax breaks and social benefits after January's strike, but protesters said the £2.3billion deal was not enough.The President said on Wednesday that he "understands the concerns of the French people", but ruled out plans for further measures.He rejected mounting calls by unions and the opposition for him to suspend a 50-per cent cap on income tax, arguing that it would drive wealthy taxpayers abroad.Many people are angry that companies like the oil giant Total is making staff redundant while simultaneously announcing record profits.
The CGT (Confederation of Labour) trade union said it expected today's general strike to be "big if not bigger" than the Jan 29 work stoppage.