Fresh strikes held in France amid continuing political void

Unions aim to keep up pressure on new PM, who has still not formed a government, over budget and super-rich tax

French trade unions are leading a day of strikes as they try to maintain pressure on the new prime minister, Sebastien Lecornu, to rethink budget cuts and consider a form of wealth tax on the super-rich.

Lecornu has still not formed a new government after being appointed on 9 September amid a political crisis when his predecessor, Francois Bayrou, was dramatically ousted over proposed budget cuts. Lecornu's unprecedented delay in announcing a new cabinet has angered opposition parties and trade unions, who have voiced concerns over budget cuts and protecting public services.