PARIS, Nov 5 (Reuters) - France faced its latest nationwide protests on Thursday after weeks of unrest ⁠over ⁠the cost of living and public services, with trade unions ⁠and student groups mobilising demonstrators across the country.

A group of major trade unions have called for nationwide strikes and demonstrations on Thursday, adding to the pressure already initiated by high school and university students. The day of action

Strikes and demonstrations are planned across France on Thursday, with trade unions urging the government to support households struggling with rising living costs. The nationwide action follows

The protests are unfolding as France approaches its next presidential election, with political parties already positioning themselves to succeed Macron, who cannot seek a third consecutive term under the Constitution.

Massive protests have swept across France since mid-September as students have rallied against the country’s education system and rising living costs. But the chaos could be a boon for France’s more extreme parties before next year’s elections.

An estimated 270,000 people joined nationwide strikes and protests across France on Thursday, putting pressure on President Emmanuel Macron's government.

French authorities were bracing for a day of nationwide protests on Thursday, according to Interior Minister Laurent Nunez, as demonstrators from several large protest groups joined forces to march against rising living costs and public spending cuts.