PARIS — A new wave of nationwide strikes hit France today as angry workers demanded President Nicolas Sarkozy open new talks on the government's policies to fight the economic crisis.

By midday, tens of thousands of protesters were marching in the streets of Marseille and Lyon, both of which have been hard hit by the world economic downturn. More than 200 protest marches are planned around the country, the biggest of which is expected in Paris.

"The government must accept to discuss again with the unions," said Bernard Thibaut, head of the CGT, one of France's main unions.

Although Sarkozy's approval ratings are down, he is under far less political pressure than some of his European counterparts and has a comfortable majority in parliament.

Strikes today and in January have not seriously disrupted the economy or ignited serious social protests, as massive strikes did in the mid-1990s.

Rail traffic was disrupted throughout France today, although the high speed TGV trains that connect France with other European countries ran on time. About one-third of medium-haul flights were affected at Orly, Paris' second airport.

In Paris, subways were less crowded as people stayed home. Schools, hospitals, the postal service and public transport also were affected. About one-third of the country's teachers did not go to school, and many letter carriers did not report for work.