French protests rage over retirement age

PROTESTERS returned to barricades in cities across France and blocked transport links for a second day yesterday as anger mounted over pension changes forced through without a parliamentary vote.

There have been more than 300 arrests and cars have been set on fire during the furious demonstrations. Police also used tear gas and water cannons to clear crowds after a fire was lit in the centre of the Place de la Concorde in Paris.

Anger flared after President Emmanuel Macron’s government used executive powers to force through changes which mean people must work until 64 instead of 62 – saying the French pension system faces bankruptcy otherwise.

Opponents of the pension change, including trade unions and politicians from both the Left and Right, are demanding that the move is halted. Strikes are also being planned for next week.