Workers strike across France, hundreds of thousands expected to protest

What happened: Workers across France went on strike after trade union calls, with protests in Marseille, Lyon and Nantes and a rally planned in Paris. President Emmanuel Macron convened a defence and security meeting to ensure public order. Key numbers: Organisers expected protests in 260 cities and towns. Why it matters: The protests come ahead of an April presidential election in which Macron cannot run again due to a two-term limit. The G7 foreign ministers' meeting was moved from Marseille to Paris, which diplomats told Reuters was "chaotic" and would harm France's image.

Workers across France went on strike after trade union calls, with protests in Marseille, Lyon and Nantes and a rally planned in Paris. President Emmanuel Macron convened a defence and security meeting to ensure public order.

The protests come ahead of an April presidential election in which Macron cannot run again due to a two-term limit. The G7 foreign ministers' meeting was moved from Marseille to Paris, which diplomats told Reuters was "chaotic" and would harm France's image.