Paris' main airport and many trains across the country were disrupted and hundreds of schools blockaded as polls show the leader suffering politically for his moves.
and took to the streets to show their anger. Disruptions were particularly bad at Paris' Charles de Gaulle airport, but regional and commuter trains and subway systems were also hit as videos on social media showed un-emptied dumpsters set alight and police firing tear gas to control crowds.
The president said if it came down to a choice between his popularity and finding a solution for the country, he'd accept being unpopular. That's good, because polls released Thursday showed about 65% of the French people saying he's a bad president. Only 30% found his defense of the reforms convincing.
Macron has long said the reforms were necessary to ensure today's young French nationals have a pension when they retire. But many workers say he could pay for that by taxing the ultra-rich instead.
Norge Siste Nytt, Norge Overskrifter
Similar News:Du kan også lese nyheter som ligner på denne som vi har samlet inn fra andre nyhetskilder.
Macron addresses a France in turmoil after move to raise retirement ageFrench President Emmanuel Macron is addressing the nation Wednesday after his move to force through legislation to raise the retirement age ignited angry protests and strikes around the country.
Les mer »
Macron says France needs pension changes, will enact by year-endFrench President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday said a deeply unpopular new law that raises the retirement age was necessary and would enter into force by the end of the year.
Les mer »
Nationwide protests in France after Macron doubles down on pension billHundreds of thousands of people were set to strike and demonstrate in France on Thursday after President Emmanuel Macron vowed to push on with a deeply unpopular pension reform despite escalating anger across the country.
Les mer »
Protesters, police clash across France in day of strife over Macron's pension changesProtesters angry with President Emmanuel Macron and his plan to raise the pension age blocked access to an airport terminal, sat on train tracks, clashed with police and threw projectiles at a police station in a day of demonstrations across France.
Les mer »
In pictures: Protests take place across France after Macron forces through pension changesProtesters marched around the country and strikes hit various sectors as Emmanuel Macron's televised interview failed to calm tensions.
Les mer »