Sarkozy to ride out French strike but jolts ahead

PARIS (Reuters) - A nationwide strike by French unions over the economic crisis is a warning shot fired across the bows of President Nicolas Sarkozy rather than a torpedo aimed at sinking his government, analysts say.

However, the global downturn is creating undercurrents of tension in France that are already forcing the center-right administration to temper its reformist ambitions and could yet threaten political stability.

Joining forces for the first time since Sarkozy took office in 2007, the country's eight main unions are demanding more action to protect jobs and wages during the expected recession.

The protests hit transport, schools and services around the country, and unionists threatened further stoppages in the weeks ahead if the government does not respond to its demands.