Photos: Thousands rally in France over rising costs and economic struggles

Tens of thousands of trade union members joined strikes and demonstrations across France on Thursday, demanding higher wages and supporting a growing high school protest movement. Unions said around 260 rallies were planned, including major marches in Paris, Lyon and Marseille, after more than a month of protests over the rising cost of living. About a third of high schools were closed or disrupted, public transport was heavily affected and the Eiffel Tower shut for the day. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said 70,000 police officers would be deployed, as the demonstrations unfolded amid criticism of police tactics and violence by some rioters.