Massive protest in France as 3m people take to the streets...

French unions have claimed that up to three million people have taken part in street protests amid a national strike against France's economic policies. 

Police gave an estimate of 1.2 million people at rallies nationwide. 

Schools have been closed and public transport disrupted, with demonstrations held in about 200 towns. 

Unions are demanding more is spent to protect workers in the recession. Unemployment has reached two million and is expected to rise further. 

Union members marched towards the Place de la Nation in Paris behind a banner that read: "United against the crisis, defend employment, spending power and public services." More + video...

See also:

1. French workers pile pressure on Sarkozy...
2. Social unrest in Europe: is the State trembling?
3. France: outrage at police treatment of a journalist...
4. Sarkozy, monarch from another age...