French unions on Thursday again took streets in the latest round of protests against the pension reforms.

The strikes, continuing since December 5, disrupted train services as hundreds of protesters poured into streets across France.

According to a report by Reuters, the police in Nates, Paris and western France fired tear gas to disperse the crowd while demonstrators hurled projectiles at the officers.

The transport services have been the worst hit due to the nationwide strikes which has led to power cuts, closure of train services and schools.&nbsp;

Aviation authorities on Thursday warned of potential cancellations as traffic controllers walked off the job.

Former investment banker Macron wants to streamline France's unwieldy pension system and incentivise the French to stay in work longer to pay for some of the most generous retirement benefits in the industrialised world.

Unions are demanding the government drop its reform in their biggest show of strength in decades.

Officials have said they are ready to negotiate, in particular on the hotly contested "pivot age" of 64 the government has suggested people will have to work until for a full pension -- beyond the official retirement age of 62.

The proposed reform would be the biggest overhaul of the system since World War Two and is central to the president's drive to make the French labour force more flexible and more competitive globally.

He says the myriad special benefits handed out to different types of worker deter mobility within the job market, especially within the public sector.

If Macron succeeds in defeating the unions - he has already stared them down over reform of state-run SNCF railways and an easing of labour laws - he will strengthen his hand to embark on further pro-business reforms as he eyes re-election in 2022.

Previous rallies in the capital have been marred by vandalism and clashes with police, and the Eiffel Tower has shut ahead of Thursday's protests.

(With inputs from agencies)

French unions on Thursday again took streets in the latest round of protests against the pension reforms. The strikes, continuing since December 5, disrupted train services as hundreds of protesters poured into streets across France.

French unions on Thursday again took streets in the latest round of protests against the pension reforms. The strikes, continuing since December 5, disrupted train services as hundreds of protesters poured into streets across France. According to a report by Reuters, the police in Nates, Paris and western France fired tear gas to disperse the crowd while demonstrators hurled projectiles at the officers. The transport services have been the worst hit due to the nationwide strikes which has led to power cuts, closure of train services and schools. Aviation authorities on Thursday warned of potential cancellations as traffic controllers walked off the job. Former investment banker Macron wants to streamline France's unwieldy pension system and incentivise the French to stay in work longer to pay for some of the most generous retirement benefits in the industrialised world. Unions are demanding the government drop its reform in their biggest show of strength in decades. Officials have said they are ready to negotiate, in particular on the hotly contested "pivot age" of 64 the government has suggested people will have to work until for a full pension -- beyond the official retirement age of 62. The proposed reform would be the biggest overhaul of the system since World War Two and is central to the president's drive to make the French labour force more flexible and more competitive globally. He says the myriad special benefits handed out to different types of worker deter mobility within the job market, especially within the public sector. If Macron succeeds in defeating the unions - he has already stared them down over reform of state-run SNCF railways and an easing of labour laws - he will strengthen his hand to embark on further pro-business reforms as he eyes re-election in 2022. Previous rallies in the capital have been marred by vandalism and clashes with police, and the Eiffel Tower has shut ahead of Thursday's protests. (With inputs from agencies)

New mass demonstrations hit France against pension reforms

Hundreds of thousands of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-strikes-government-stays-firm-on-pension-reforms-as-mass-protests-to-continue-268724">French protesters </a>took to the streets Tuesday in a pension reform standoff that has sparked nearly two weeks of crippling transport strikes, with the government vowing it will not give in to union demands to drop the overhaul.

Police said they fired tear gas in Paris after protesters hurled projectiles at them, with 30 people arrested in the French capital.

Pressure is growing on President Emmanuel Macron just days before the Christmas break and late Tuesday he named a new pensions chief to lead fresh talks with the unions set for Wednesday.

Lawmaker Laurent Pietraszewski will oversee the negotiations, replacing the last top official who was forced to resign on Monday when it emerged he had failed to declare income.

Teachers, hospital workers and other public employees joined transport workers on Tuesday for the third big day of marches since the dispute began on December 5.

The interior ministry said about 615,000 people took part in more than 100 rallies countrywide, including 76,000 demonstrators in Paris, where the Eiffel Tower was closed due to the protest.

The hardline CGT union tweeted that 1.8 million demonstrators had turned out across the country, a figure higher than the 1.5 million it claimed for the last big protest day on December 5.

The CGT said electricity workers had cut power to some 50,000 homes near Bordeaux and 40,000 in Lyon overnight, warning that bigger cuts could follow.

Later the CGT and four other trade unions issued a joint ultimatum to the government, saying local industrial action would continue with no let-up for Christmas, unless it responds to their requests "in the coming hours".

PM's determination 'is total'

The day of action was "a total success", said CGT leader Philippe Martinez. "Despite the government's attempts at division, the people remain mobilised," he added.

The government has insisted it will push through a single points-based pension system and end the current patchwork of 42 separate schemes that offer early retirement to many in the public sector.

It says the new system will be fairer and more transparent, improving pensions for women and low earners in particular.

"My determination, and that of the government and the majority, is total," Prime Minister Edouard Philippe told parliament on the eve of fresh talks with unions.

Critics say the changes could force millions of people to work beyond the official retirement age of 62 -- one of the lowest in Europe -- by setting a "pivot age" of 64 that would ensure a full pension.

"What scares us about the points system is that we don't know how much a point is worth," said Kelly Grosset-Curtet, a 21-year-old student marching in Lyon.

Laurent Berger, head of France's largest union, the moderate CFDT, took part in the Paris protest and described the pension reform measures as "terribly unjust".

'Mess up Christmas'&nbsp;

Commuters in Paris and other big cities have borne the brunt of the transport stoppages so far but holiday travel plans are now at risk, with just one in four high-speed TGV trains running on Tuesday.

Strike organisers are hoping for a repeat of 1995 when they forced the government to back down on pension reform after three weeks of metro and rail stoppages just before Christmas.

Some 62 percent of respondents to a poll for the RTL broadcaster said they support the strike but 69 percent said they wanted a "Christmas truce".

"Nobody wants to mess up Christmas, not the strikers nor workers nor the French who want to be with their families," Laurent Escure of the UNSA union told France 2 television.

"But this is entirely the government's fault."&nbsp;

Train operator SNCF has warned that it may now be too late to get services back to normal by December 25. But it assured that all TGV ticket holders would be able to travel over the pre-Christmas weekend, though with some changes to timetables.

Several universities have cancelled or postponed year-end exams, and both the Garnier and Bastille Operas in Paris have cancelled dozens of performances, costing millions of euros in lost ticket sales.

"This is absurd," Sylvie Baheux, a 55-year-old gym teacher, said at Paris' Saint-Lazare station on Tuesday, adding that her usual one-hour commute to work had doubled during the strike.

"It's complicated but this pension reform needed to be done," she told AFP.

Opposition leaders have urged the government to rethink the pension reform plans. &nbsp;

The travel misery is set to continue on the 14th day of the strike Wednesday, with half of the capital's 16 metro lines closed, most of the rest severely curtailed, and the number of regional and suburban trains slashed.

Hundreds of thousands of French protesters took to the streets Tuesday in a pension reform standoff that has sparked nearly two weeks of crippling transport strikes, with the government vowing it will not give in to union demands to drop the overhaul.

Hundreds of thousands of French protesters took to the streets Tuesday in a pension reform standoff that has sparked nearly two weeks of crippling transport strikes, with the government vowing it will not give in to union demands to drop the overhaul. Police said they fired tear gas in Paris after protesters hurled projectiles at them, with 30 people arrested in the French capital. Pressure is growing on President Emmanuel Macron just days before the Christmas break and late Tuesday he named a new pensions chief to lead fresh talks with the unions set for Wednesday. Lawmaker Laurent Pietraszewski will oversee the negotiations, replacing the last top official who was forced to resign on Monday when it emerged he had failed to declare income. Teachers, hospital workers and other public employees joined transport workers on Tuesday for the third big day of marches since the dispute began on December 5. The interior ministry said about 615,000 people took part in more than 100 rallies countrywide, including 76,000 demonstrators in Paris, where the Eiffel Tower was closed due to the protest. The hardline CGT union tweeted that 1.8 million demonstrators had turned out across the country, a figure higher than the 1.5 million it claimed for the last big protest day on December 5. The CGT said electricity workers had cut power to some 50,000 homes near Bordeaux and 40,000 in Lyon overnight, warning that bigger cuts could follow. Later the CGT and four other trade unions issued a joint ultimatum to the government, saying local industrial action would continue with no let-up for Christmas, unless it responds to their requests "in the coming hours". PM's determination 'is total' The day of action was "a total success", said CGT leader Philippe Martinez. "Despite the government's attempts at division, the people remain mobilised," he added. The government has insisted it will push through a single points-based pension system and end the current patchwork of 42 separate schemes that offer early retirement to many in the public sector. It says the new system will be fairer and more transparent, improving pensions for women and low earners in particular. "My determination, and that of the government and the majority, is total," Prime Minister Edouard Philippe told parliament on the eve of fresh talks with unions. Critics say the changes could force millions of people to work beyond the official retirement age of 62 -- one of the lowest in Europe -- by setting a "pivot age" of 64 that would ensure a full pension. "What scares us about the points system is that we don't know how much a point is worth," said Kelly Grosset-Curtet, a 21-year-old student marching in Lyon. Laurent Berger, head of France's largest union, the moderate CFDT, took part in the Paris protest and described the pension reform measures as "terribly unjust". 'Mess up Christmas' Commuters in Paris and other big cities have borne the brunt of the transport stoppages so far but holiday travel plans are now at risk, with just one in four high-speed TGV trains running on Tuesday. Strike organisers are hoping for a repeat of 1995 when they forced the government to back down on pension reform after three weeks of metro and rail stoppages just before Christmas. Some 62 percent of respondents to a poll for the RTL broadcaster said they support the strike but 69 percent said they wanted a "Christmas truce". "Nobody wants to mess up Christmas, not the strikers nor workers nor the French who want to be with their families," Laurent Escure of the UNSA union told France 2 television. "But this is entirely the government's fault." Train operator SNCF has warned that it may now be too late to get services back to normal by December 25. But it assured that all TGV ticket holders would be able to travel over the pre-Christmas weekend, though with some changes to timetables. Several universities have cancelled or postponed year-end exams, and both the Garnier and Bastille Operas in Paris have cancelled dozens of performances, costing millions of euros in lost ticket sales. "This is absurd," Sylvie Baheux, a 55-year-old gym teacher, said at Paris' Saint-Lazare station on Tuesday, adding that her usual one-hour commute to work had doubled during the strike. "It's complicated but this pension reform needed to be done," she told AFP. Opposition leaders have urged the government to rethink the pension reform plans. The travel misery is set to continue on the 14th day of the strike Wednesday, with half of the capital's 16 metro lines closed, most of the rest severely curtailed, and the number of regional and suburban trains slashed.

Hundreds of thousands protest in France over pension reform plans

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/determined-to-take-pension-reform-to-completion-will-address-peoples-concerns-french-pm-266964">Edouard Philippe</a> defied striking workers on Wednesday with plans for a long-anticipated overhaul of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/frances-emmanuel-macron-to-hold-meeting-on-pensions-as-strike-bites-266909">France's byzantine pension system</a> that he said would be fairer and encourage people to work longer.

France would replace a convoluted system of more than 42 separate state-funded plans with a universal, points-based system that will apply to those entering the job market for the first time in 2022, Philippe said in a speech that followed days of protests and strikes.

He did though show some flexibility to unions over the timing of the implementation of the plan, saying anyone within 17 years of retirement would be exempt.

"The time has come to build a universal pension system," Philippe said in a much-anticipated speech. "There is no hidden agenda. "We want to protect the purchasing power of the workers and pensioners of today and tomorrow."

The legal retirement age would remain at 62, the prime minister said, but workers would be incentivised to work longer through a system of bonuses and discounts.

There would be a minimum pension of 1,000 euros&nbsp;per month for those who worked a full career.

Reform of France's pension system, which offers some of the most generous benefits in the industrialised world, has proven a treacherous task for past and present governments.

A strike by public sector workers over the past week has crippled France's transport network, closed schools and forced the cancellation of some flights.

The strongest opposition to the planned reform has come from workers with 'special benefit' plans, including rail employees, dockers and Paris Opera singers who are entitled to retire on a full pension years before the average retirement age of 62.

Philippe said a universal, points-based system would be fairer, giving every pensioner the same rights for each euro contributed, and enable workers to move more freely from one job to another in the modern-day labour market.

"We know our children won't have the same linear careers we had and we need a pension system that allows that. We need to have faith in a system that is not deemed to favour one person over another."

Philippe said that under the new system, every hour worked will earn pension rights, which will benefit gig economy workers such as bicycle courriers and office cleaners, who often do not earn enough to lock in pension rights under the current system.

With the strike over the reform in its second week, there were signs of mounting irritation among morning commuters as they grappled with a skeleton train and metro service in the capital, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/paris-opera-ballet-dancers-hang-up-shoes-in-pension-reform-protest-267326">Paris</a>.

"I've had it today," said one frustrated traveler as he battled his way through a crowded platform.

Before the prime minister's speech, hard-left unions showed no sign of backing down in a battle of political will that could make or break Macron's presidency. The CGT union has called for further protests on December&nbsp;12 and December&nbsp;17.

Prime Minister Edouard Philippe defied striking workers on Wednesday with plans for a long-anticipated overhaul of France's byzantine pension system that he said would be fairer and encourage people to work longer.

Prime Minister Edouard Philippe defied striking workers on Wednesday with plans for a long-anticipated overhaul of France's byzantine pension system that he said would be fairer and encourage people to work longer. France would replace a convoluted system of more than 42 separate state-funded plans with a universal, points-based system that will apply to those entering the job market for the first time in 2022, Philippe said in a speech that followed days of protests and strikes. He did though show some flexibility to unions over the timing of the implementation of the plan, saying anyone within 17 years of retirement would be exempt. "The time has come to build a universal pension system," Philippe said in a much-anticipated speech. "There is no hidden agenda. "We want to protect the purchasing power of the workers and pensioners of today and tomorrow." The legal retirement age would remain at 62, the prime minister said, but workers would be incentivised to work longer through a system of bonuses and discounts. There would be a minimum pension of 1,000 euros per month for those who worked a full career. Reform of France's pension system, which offers some of the most generous benefits in the industrialised world, has proven a treacherous task for past and present governments. A strike by public sector workers over the past week has crippled France's transport network, closed schools and forced the cancellation of some flights. The strongest opposition to the planned reform has come from workers with 'special benefit' plans, including rail employees, dockers and Paris Opera singers who are entitled to retire on a full pension years before the average retirement age of 62. Philippe said a universal, points-based system would be fairer, giving every pensioner the same rights for each euro contributed, and enable workers to move more freely from one job to another in the modern-day labour market. "We know our children won't have the same linear careers we had and we need a pension system that allows that. We need to have faith in a system that is not deemed to favour one person over another." Philippe said that under the new system, every hour worked will earn pension rights, which will benefit gig economy workers such as bicycle courriers and office cleaners, who often do not earn enough to lock in pension rights under the current system. With the strike over the reform in its second week, there were signs of mounting irritation among morning commuters as they grappled with a skeleton train and metro service in the capital, Paris. "I've had it today," said one frustrated traveler as he battled his way through a crowded platform. Before the prime minister's speech, hard-left unions showed no sign of backing down in a battle of political will that could make or break Macron's presidency. The CGT union has called for further protests on December 12 and December 17.

France's prime minister defies unions with pension overhaul

French President Emmanuel Macron will on Sunday meet ministers involved in his radical pension reform which has prompted a nationwide strike and brought key transport services to a standstill.

Transport in Paris remained paralysed Sunday, with only the two driverless lines of the Metro in operation while national rail operator SNCF warned just one in six high-speed trains would be running.

The strikes, which began on Thursday over the plans for a single points-based pension scheme, recall the winter of 1995, when three weeks of huge stoppages forced a social policy U-turn by the then-government.

Prime Minister Edouard Philippe insisted his government would not abandon the plan.

"If we do not make a far-reaching, serious and progressive reform today, someone else will make a really brutal one tomorrow," Philippe was quoted as saying by Le Journal du Dimanche.

But the leader of the hardline CGT union, Philippe Martinez, told the paper "We will keep up until the withdrawal" of the reform plan.

The prime minister is due to unveil full details of the reform to merge the 42 existing pension plans, which could spark more union anger.

"We can provide extremely positive answers for many people who suffer injustices in the current system: women, farmers, and career-changers in particular," he said.

Unions have vowed a second series of mass demonstrations nationwide on Tuesday and there is expected to be little easing of the transport freeze over the coming days.

In a joint statement, the three main rail unions called for the strike to be stepped up on Monday.

Biggest challenge

The strikes could prove to be the biggest domestic challenge yet for Macron, who came to power in 2017 on the back of promises to radically reform France and has sought a prominent place on the international stage as Europe's number one statesman.

Macron was widely believed to have ridden out the challenge posed by the "yellow vests" whose weekly Saturday protests against inequality in France had shaken the government over the last year.

But the yellow vests have also sought to use the momentum of the strike movement and held a fresh protest in Paris on Saturday and others in several cities across France.

Unions say Macron's proposal for a single-pension system would force millions of people in both the public and private sectors to work well beyond the official retirement age of 62.

At least 800,000 took part in rallies around the country on Thursday, according to the interior ministry -- one of the biggest demonstrations of union strength in nearly a decade.

A crucial week now lies ahead: commuters will struggle to get to work on Monday and more giant nationwide protests are planned for Tuesday.

Transilien, the operator of the Paris region rail network, warned of severe shortages Monday and recommended using other means of transport such as car-sharing.

The international Eurostar and Thalys rail services have been hit by cancellations.

Tourists in Paris also faced some disappointments: the world-famous Louvre Museum said some rooms would be closed due to the strikes, while the landmark exhibition of painter El Greco at the Grand Palais was closed.

The Paris Opera and several theatres in the capital have cancelled performances over the last few days due to the strike.

French President Emmanuel Macron will on Sunday meet ministers involved in his radical pension reform which has prompted a nationwide strike and brought key transport services to a standstill.

French President Emmanuel Macron will on Sunday meet ministers involved in his radical pension reform which has prompted a nationwide strike and brought key transport services to a standstill. Transport in Paris remained paralysed Sunday, with only the two driverless lines of the Metro in operation while national rail operator SNCF warned just one in six high-speed trains would be running. The strikes, which began on Thursday over the plans for a single points-based pension scheme, recall the winter of 1995, when three weeks of huge stoppages forced a social policy U-turn by the then-government. Prime Minister Edouard Philippe insisted his government would not abandon the plan. "If we do not make a far-reaching, serious and progressive reform today, someone else will make a really brutal one tomorrow," Philippe was quoted as saying by Le Journal du Dimanche. But the leader of the hardline CGT union, Philippe Martinez, told the paper "We will keep up until the withdrawal" of the reform plan. The prime minister is due to unveil full details of the reform to merge the 42 existing pension plans, which could spark more union anger. "We can provide extremely positive answers for many people who suffer injustices in the current system: women, farmers, and career-changers in particular," he said. Unions have vowed a second series of mass demonstrations nationwide on Tuesday and there is expected to be little easing of the transport freeze over the coming days. In a joint statement, the three main rail unions called for the strike to be stepped up on Monday. Biggest challenge The strikes could prove to be the biggest domestic challenge yet for Macron, who came to power in 2017 on the back of promises to radically reform France and has sought a prominent place on the international stage as Europe's number one statesman. Macron was widely believed to have ridden out the challenge posed by the "yellow vests" whose weekly Saturday protests against inequality in France had shaken the government over the last year. But the yellow vests have also sought to use the momentum of the strike movement and held a fresh protest in Paris on Saturday and others in several cities across France. Unions say Macron's proposal for a single-pension system would force millions of people in both the public and private sectors to work well beyond the official retirement age of 62. At least 800,000 took part in rallies around the country on Thursday, according to the interior ministry -- one of the biggest demonstrations of union strength in nearly a decade. A crucial week now lies ahead: commuters will struggle to get to work on Monday and more giant nationwide protests are planned for Tuesday. Transilien, the operator of the Paris region rail network, warned of severe shortages Monday and recommended using other means of transport such as car-sharing. The international Eurostar and Thalys rail services have been hit by cancellations. Tourists in Paris also faced some disappointments: the world-famous Louvre Museum said some rooms would be closed due to the strikes, while the landmark exhibition of painter El Greco at the Grand Palais was closed. The Paris Opera and several theatres in the capital have cancelled performances over the last few days due to the strike.

France's Emmanuel Macron to hold meeting on pensions as strike bites

French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe on Friday said that the government is "very determined" to go ahead with its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-unions-call-for-new-protests-strikes-on-tuesday-over-pension-reforms-266676">pension reform</a>, news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;

The prime minister added that the French government would work with trade unions to introduce a single points-based <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-strike-against-macron-reforms-enters-day-two-266522">pension scheme</a>.

Philippe stressed that the proposed changes in the current pension scheme would be unveiled on Wednesday and will be introduced "progressively, without harshness," AFP reported.&nbsp;

President Emmanuel Macron-led government is facing a lot of dissent over the proposed overhaul to the existing pension scheme.&nbsp;

The French government believes&nbsp;that the new pension reform will be fair to all but will also require people to work longer and beyond the minimum pension age, which in France is 62 years.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, French unions on Friday called for strikes and mass protests next week on Tuesday. This comes after thousands took to the streets on Thursday protesting Macron-proposed retirement overhaul.

"Everybody in the street on Tuesday, December 10, for a new day... of strikes, actions and protests," Catherine Perret, a senior member of the CGT union, France's biggest public-sector union, told reporters after a meeting of four unions.

Unions' strikes and protest spilled into the second day on Friday, derailing public transport and affecting hundreds on travelers.&nbsp;

Unions argue that Macron's "universal" pension system would eliminate dozens of separate plans for public workers and will force millions of people, in both public and private sectors, to work well beyond the legal retirement age of 62.&nbsp;

French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe on Friday said that the government is "very determined" to go ahead with its pension reform, news agency AFP reported. The prime minister added that the French government would work with trade unions to introduce a single points-based pension scheme.

French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe on Friday said that the government is "very determined" to go ahead with its pension reform, news agency AFP reported. The prime minister added that the French government would work with trade unions to introduce a single points-based pension scheme. Philippe stressed that the proposed changes in the current pension scheme would be unveiled on Wednesday and will be introduced "progressively, without harshness," AFP reported. President Emmanuel Macron-led government is facing a lot of dissent over the proposed overhaul to the existing pension scheme. The French government believes that the new pension reform will be fair to all but will also require people to work longer and beyond the minimum pension age, which in France is 62 years. Meanwhile, French unions on Friday called for strikes and mass protests next week on Tuesday. This comes after thousands took to the streets on Thursday protesting Macron-proposed retirement overhaul. "Everybody in the street on Tuesday, December 10, for a new day... of strikes, actions and protests," Catherine Perret, a senior member of the CGT union, France's biggest public-sector union, told reporters after a meeting of four unions. Unions' strikes and protest spilled into the second day on Friday, derailing public transport and affecting hundreds on travelers. Unions argue that Macron's "universal" pension system would eliminate dozens of separate plans for public workers and will force millions of people, in both public and private sectors, to work well beyond the legal retirement age of 62.

'Very determined' to go ahead with pension reform: French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe

Massive protests are taking place across 30 cities in France. French police deployed tear gas and used pepper spray on protesters and black blocs as a pensions reform protest in Paris turned rowdy. Watch this video to know more.

France: Massive protests across 30 cities

Angered over President Emmanuel Macron's pension reforms, French unions on Friday called for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-strike-against-macron-reforms-enters-day-two-266522">strikes and mass protests</a> next week on Tuesday. This comes after thousands took to the street on Thursday protesting Macron-proposed retirement overhaul.

"Everybody in the street on Tuesday, December 10, for a new day... of strikes, actions and protests," Catherine Perret, a senior member of the CGT union, France's biggest public-sector union, told reporters after a meeting of four unions.

Unions' strikes and protest spilled into the second day on Friday, derailing public transport and affecting hundreds on travelers.&nbsp;

The protesters are determined not to stay put unless Macron backs down on the controversial pension overhauls.

Unions argue that Macron's "universal" pension system would eliminate dozens of separate plans for public workers and will force millions of people, in both public and private sectors, to work well beyond the legal retirement age of 62, news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;

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In France, the minimum pension age is 62 which is also the lowest among developed countries across the globe. However, there exist over forty "special regimes" for railway workers, lawyers, opera employees and others that offer benefits like earlier retirements.

Macron-led government acknowledges that that a single pension system will have people work longer but will also be fairer to all, ensuring financial viability.

The recent strike by the unions was enough to throw the country into a state of chaos. As reported by AFP, rail operator SNCF said 90 per cent of high-speed TGV trains were again cancelled, and several airlines dropped flights including Air France, EasyJet and Ryanair.

Nine of the capital's 16 metro lines were shut and most others severely disrupted, sparking some 350 kilometres (220 miles) of traffic jams in the Paris region, well above the usual 200 km, the traffic website Sytadin reported.

A whopping 800,000 demonstrators took to the streets across the country on Thursday, the interior ministry estimated .

France, earlier this year, saw protests from teachers, hospital workers, police and firefighters as well as the "yellow vest" movement. The French have been demanding improved living standards.

(With inputs from AFP)&nbsp;

Angered over President Emmanuel Macron's pension reforms, French unions on Friday called for strikes and mass protests next week on Tuesday. This comes after thousands took to the street on Thursday protesting Macron-proposed retirement overhaul.

Angered over President Emmanuel Macron's pension reforms, French unions on Friday called for strikes and mass protests next week on Tuesday. This comes after thousands took to the street on Thursday protesting Macron-proposed retirement overhaul. "Everybody in the street on Tuesday, December 10, for a new day... of strikes, actions and protests," Catherine Perret, a senior member of the CGT union, France's biggest public-sector union, told reporters after a meeting of four unions. Unions' strikes and protest spilled into the second day on Friday, derailing public transport and affecting hundreds on travelers. The protesters are determined not to stay put unless Macron backs down on the controversial pension overhauls. Unions argue that Macron's "universal" pension system would eliminate dozens of separate plans for public workers and will force millions of people, in both public and private sectors, to work well beyond the legal retirement age of 62, news agency AFP reported. × In France, the minimum pension age is 62 which is also the lowest among developed countries across the globe. However, there exist over forty "special regimes" for railway workers, lawyers, opera employees and others that offer benefits like earlier retirements. Macron-led government acknowledges that that a single pension system will have people work longer but will also be fairer to all, ensuring financial viability. The recent strike by the unions was enough to throw the country into a state of chaos. As reported by AFP, rail operator SNCF said 90 per cent of high-speed TGV trains were again cancelled, and several airlines dropped flights including Air France, EasyJet and Ryanair. Nine of the capital's 16 metro lines were shut and most others severely disrupted, sparking some 350 kilometres (220 miles) of traffic jams in the Paris region, well above the usual 200 km, the traffic website Sytadin reported. A whopping 800,000 demonstrators took to the streets across the country on Thursday, the interior ministry estimated . France, earlier this year, saw protests from teachers, hospital workers, police and firefighters as well as the "yellow vest" movement. The French have been demanding improved living standards. (With inputs from AFP)

France: Unions call for new protests, strikes on Tuesday over pension reforms 

France Paralysed By The Biggest Strike In Years

Gravitas: France Grinds to a Halt

Tens of thousands marched in France and Italy Saturday calling for an end to violence against women, remembering the dozens killed in each country this year by current or former partners.

Central Paris was awash with purple -- the colour adopted for the campaign -- with some protesters holding up placards bearing the image of a relative or friend killed.

Some signs bore the words "Break the silence, not women," and "Aggressor, stalker, you are done for, the women are in the street".&nbsp;

The Paris march, mainly attended by women, was one of 30 organised throughout France involving nearly 70 organisations, political parties, unions and associations.

A count by the Occurrence consultancy, commissioned by the news media including AFP, put the turnout in the French capital at 49,000.

Feminist collective #NousToutes ("All of Us") meanwhile said 100,000 marched in Paris and 150,000 across France, hailing it as "the biggest march against gender-based violence in French history".

Caroline De Haas, one of the Paris organisers, said "the level of awareness is moving at breakneck speed".

- 'We are in revolt!'- 
In Italy, tens of thousands of people, mainly women, marched in the capital Rome.

March organisers "Non Una de Meno!" (Not One Less!) say 94 women have been killed by their partners or former partners this year.

The procession moved through the city's old quarter behind a large banner that read: "Against your violence, we are in revolt!"

Banners from political parties and unions were absent at the request of the organisers and many of those taking part wore pink, the colour of choice for the demonstration.

"We are the fierce and powerful voice of all those women who no longer have a voice," said one banner.

A float that played music along the route also broadcast the names of women killed by their partners or ex-partners this year.

"Everywhere in the world, women are revolting against patriarchal, racist, institutional, environmental and economic violence," said a statement from Non Una Di Meno.

At 4:30 pm (1530 GMT) the marchers sat down on the ground and remained silent for a few minutes in memory of the women who had been killed.

Italy's Economy Minister Roberto Gualtieri on Saturday announced 12 million euros would be released to help the children of women killed by their partners.

It will be used to fund scholarships, medical costs and professional training, he tweeted.

'System not working'&nbsp;

In France, a total of 116 women have been murdered in France so far this year by their husband, partner or ex-partner, according to an AFP investigation.

The group "Femicides by companions or ex" puts the toll at 137.

Some 121 were killed in France last year, according to official figures.

One woman is killed in France every three days by their partner or ex-partner, while marital violence affects 220,000 Frenchwomen every year. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"We can no longer count the number of cases where femicides could have been avoided," the Paris march organisers NousToutes said on Facebook.

"With this march, we will make the public authorities take appropriate measures."

Justice Minister Nicole Belloubet has said: "Our system is not working to protect these women."

The government is expected to announce about 40 measures on Monday to tackle the scourge.

De Haas and other activists have said a billion euros needs to be invested to address the problem.

But the office of France's equality ministry said it has put aside 361.5 million euros ($398 million) a year.

The killings in France are part of a global scourge that shows no signs of abating, with 87,000 women and girls killed in 2017 according to the UN -- over half of them killed either by their spouse, partner or own family.

The marches in France and Italy come ahead of the UN's International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, which is on Monday.

Meanwhile, police said Saturday they had charged a 59-year-old man with the manslaughter of his wife, a week after her body was found in woodlands in the Loire region.&nbsp;

Tens of thousands marched in France and Italy Saturday calling for an end to violence against women, remembering the dozens killed in each country this year by current or former partners.

Tens of thousands marched in France and Italy Saturday calling for an end to violence against women, remembering the dozens killed in each country this year by current or former partners. Central Paris was awash with purple -- the colour adopted for the campaign -- with some protesters holding up placards bearing the image of a relative or friend killed. Some signs bore the words "Break the silence, not women," and "Aggressor, stalker, you are done for, the women are in the street". The Paris march, mainly attended by women, was one of 30 organised throughout France involving nearly 70 organisations, political parties, unions and associations. A count by the Occurrence consultancy, commissioned by the news media including AFP, put the turnout in the French capital at 49,000. Feminist collective #NousToutes ("All of Us") meanwhile said 100,000 marched in Paris and 150,000 across France, hailing it as "the biggest march against gender-based violence in French history". Caroline De Haas, one of the Paris organisers, said "the level of awareness is moving at breakneck speed". - 'We are in revolt!'- In Italy, tens of thousands of people, mainly women, marched in the capital Rome. March organisers "Non Una de Meno!" (Not One Less!) say 94 women have been killed by their partners or former partners this year. The procession moved through the city's old quarter behind a large banner that read: "Against your violence, we are in revolt!" Banners from political parties and unions were absent at the request of the organisers and many of those taking part wore pink, the colour of choice for the demonstration. "We are the fierce and powerful voice of all those women who no longer have a voice," said one banner. A float that played music along the route also broadcast the names of women killed by their partners or ex-partners this year. "Everywhere in the world, women are revolting against patriarchal, racist, institutional, environmental and economic violence," said a statement from Non Una Di Meno. At 4:30 pm (1530 GMT) the marchers sat down on the ground and remained silent for a few minutes in memory of the women who had been killed. Italy's Economy Minister Roberto Gualtieri on Saturday announced 12 million euros would be released to help the children of women killed by their partners. It will be used to fund scholarships, medical costs and professional training, he tweeted. 'System not working' In France, a total of 116 women have been murdered in France so far this year by their husband, partner or ex-partner, according to an AFP investigation. The group "Femicides by companions or ex" puts the toll at 137. Some 121 were killed in France last year, according to official figures. One woman is killed in France every three days by their partner or ex-partner, while marital violence affects 220,000 Frenchwomen every year. "We can no longer count the number of cases where femicides could have been avoided," the Paris march organisers NousToutes said on Facebook. "With this march, we will make the public authorities take appropriate measures." Justice Minister Nicole Belloubet has said: "Our system is not working to protect these women." The government is expected to announce about 40 measures on Monday to tackle the scourge. De Haas and other activists have said a billion euros needs to be invested to address the problem. But the office of France's equality ministry said it has put aside 361.5 million euros ($398 million) a year. The killings in France are part of a global scourge that shows no signs of abating, with 87,000 women and girls killed in 2017 according to the UN -- over half of them killed either by their spouse, partner or own family. The marches in France and Italy come ahead of the UN's International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, which is on Monday. Meanwhile, police said Saturday they had charged a 59-year-old man with the manslaughter of his wife, a week after her body was found in woodlands in the Loire region.

Tens of thousands march in France, Italy to protest femicide

Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Paris and other French cities on Saturday to protest against domestic violence, after more than 130 women are believed to have been killed by their partner or ex-partner in France this year.

In Paris, the mostly female activists chanted "Abuser, you've had it, women are in the street" and held purple placards bearing the names of female victims and slogans such as "not another murder more". Purple is a symbolic colour used by the women's rights movement.

President Emmanuel Macron expressed his solidarity after the end of the protest.

"I give my support to every woman who has experienced gender-based or sexual violence. Count on me to continue the mobilisation of the government and the entire nation in this great cause," he said on Twitter.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
J’adresse mon soutien à chaque femme qui a vécu des violences sexistes ou sexuelles. 
Comptez sur moi pour poursuivre la mobilisation du gouvernement et de la Nation entière dans cette grande cause. 
Besoin de l’engagement de chacun(e) pour <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NeRienLaisserPasser?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NeRienLaisserPasser</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NousToutes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NousToutes</a>
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron/status/1198313852561174529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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Some 35,000 people participated in the march in Paris, police said.

The #NousToutes association, which organised the protests, estimated the turnout much higher at 100,000 in Paris and 150,000 across France.

The demonstrations took place two days before the government is due to publish the results of an investigation into domestic violence.

The government is also set to announce a series of new measures aimed at protecting women, the Justice and Interior Ministers and the Secretary of State for Gender Equality said in a joint opinion piece in Le Parisien daily on Saturday.

"We can and we should do better," they wrote.

A Council of Europe expert group on domestic violence (GREVIO) said this week France needed to offer better protection for victims and their children and more effective anti-violence measures.

"We cannot continue to accept that women are being murdered today with total impunity. The state must do its job to guarantee the security of all women in this country," #NousToutes activist Karine Plassard told Reuters in Paris.

Other marches took place in French cities such as Lyon, Strasbourg, Bordeaux and Lille.

"There is far too much violence against women everywhere in society, at work, in our intimate lives," said Paris demonstrator Pauline, 28. "The masculine part of the population must be aware of what they are doing to the other half."

Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Paris and other French cities on Saturday to protest against domestic violence, after more than 130 women are believed to have been killed by their partner or ex-partner in France this year.

Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Paris and other French cities on Saturday to protest against domestic violence, after more than 130 women are believed to have been killed by their partner or ex-partner in France this year. In Paris, the mostly female activists chanted "Abuser, you've had it, women are in the street" and held purple placards bearing the names of female victims and slogans such as "not another murder more". Purple is a symbolic colour used by the women's rights movement. President Emmanuel Macron expressed his solidarity after the end of the protest. "I give my support to every woman who has experienced gender-based or sexual violence. Count on me to continue the mobilisation of the government and the entire nation in this great cause," he said on Twitter. J’adresse mon soutien à chaque femme qui a vécu des violences sexistes ou sexuelles. Comptez sur moi pour poursuivre la mobilisation du gouvernement et de la Nation entière dans cette grande cause. Besoin de l’engagement de chacun(e) pour #NeRienLaisserPasser.#NousToutes — Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) November 23, 2019 × Some 35,000 people participated in the march in Paris, police said. The #NousToutes association, which organised the protests, estimated the turnout much higher at 100,000 in Paris and 150,000 across France. The demonstrations took place two days before the government is due to publish the results of an investigation into domestic violence. The government is also set to announce a series of new measures aimed at protecting women, the Justice and Interior Ministers and the Secretary of State for Gender Equality said in a joint opinion piece in Le Parisien daily on Saturday. "We can and we should do better," they wrote. A Council of Europe expert group on domestic violence (GREVIO) said this week France needed to offer better protection for victims and their children and more effective anti-violence measures. "We cannot continue to accept that women are being murdered today with total impunity. The state must do its job to guarantee the security of all women in this country," #NousToutes activist Karine Plassard told Reuters in Paris. Other marches took place in French cities such as Lyon, Strasbourg, Bordeaux and Lille. "There is far too much violence against women everywhere in society, at work, in our intimate lives," said Paris demonstrator Pauline, 28. "The masculine part of the population must be aware of what they are doing to the other half."

Tens of thousands march in France to condemn domestic violence

The protest erupted in France because over 130 women killed by their partners in 2019

France: Mass protests against Femicide

WION Wallet: French government faces protest over reforms in pension system. Watch video to know more

WION Wallet: French government faces protest over reforms in pension system

Over a hundred demonstrators were arrested at yellow vest protests in Paris on Saturday as about <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-of-paris-police-deployed-over-yellow-vest-clash-fears-250913">7,500 police were deployed</a> to quell any violence by the movement and its radical, anarchist "black blocs".

There were also fears that the demonstrators could try to infiltrate a march against climate change in the French capital.

The yellow vest movement erupted 10 months ago and blindsided President Emmanuel Macron, whom protesters accused of being out of touch with the needs of ordinary French people.

"What are we doing? We are assembling just to say that we can't make ends meet. (The protest) is not only against the president, it's against the system," said a woman protestor who did not give her name. &nbsp;

The weekly demonstrations -- Saturday was the 45th -- prompted Macron to loosen the state's purse strings to the tune of nearly 17 billion euros ($18.8 billion) in wage boosts and tax cuts for low earners, but tapered off over the summer.

However, it remains to be seen whether the movement will regain the momentum of the winter and early spring, when the protests often descended into violent clashes with security forces, especially in Paris.

By 1.00 pm (11 GMT) police had arrested 106 demonstrators, police headquarters said, adding that some had been found to carry hammers or petrol canisters.

"We are being treated like criminals," said a woman, who identified herself as Brigitte.

The authorities had banned demonstrations in some areas of the city, including tourism hotspot Champs-Elysees, but some protesters violated the ban, leading to a tense standoff with police who used teargas and batons to scatter them.

Macron on Friday called for "calm", saying that while "it's good that people express themselves", they should not disrupt a climate protest and cultural events also due to go ahead on Saturday.

The number of police deployed for Saturday's rallies are on a par with the peak of the yellow vest protests in December and March.

'Black blocs'

Key yellow-vest figure Jerome Rodrigues has billed Saturday's protest as "a revelatory demonstration", claiming "many people are going to come to Paris".

But officials have again outlawed protests on the Champs-Elysees and other areas in the heart of the capital, where previously protesters had ransacked and set fire to luxury shops and restaurants.

Some demonstrators in January even used a forklift truck to break down the doors of a government ministry.

The police have also been criticised for being heavy-handed in clashes with hardcore anti-capitalist "black bloc" groups blamed for much of the violence that has accompanied the demonstrations.

Saturday coincides with the annual European Heritage Days weekend, when public and private buildings normally off-limits to the public are open to visitors.

After attracting 282,000 people nationwide on the first day of protests last November, yellow-vest protest participation had fallen sharply by the spring, and only sporadic protests were seen over the summer.

Macron said in an interview with Time magazine published Thursday that the movement had been "very good for me" as it had made him listen and communicate better.

"My challenge is to listen to people much better than I did at the very beginning," the president said.

Over a hundred demonstrators were arrested at yellow vest protests in Paris on Saturday as about 7,500 police were deployed to quell any violence by the movement and its radical, anarchist "black blocs".

Over a hundred demonstrators were arrested at yellow vest protests in Paris on Saturday as about 7,500 police were deployed to quell any violence by the movement and its radical, anarchist "black blocs". There were also fears that the demonstrators could try to infiltrate a march against climate change in the French capital. The yellow vest movement erupted 10 months ago and blindsided President Emmanuel Macron, whom protesters accused of being out of touch with the needs of ordinary French people. "What are we doing? We are assembling just to say that we can't make ends meet. (The protest) is not only against the president, it's against the system," said a woman protestor who did not give her name. The weekly demonstrations -- Saturday was the 45th -- prompted Macron to loosen the state's purse strings to the tune of nearly 17 billion euros ($18.8 billion) in wage boosts and tax cuts for low earners, but tapered off over the summer. However, it remains to be seen whether the movement will regain the momentum of the winter and early spring, when the protests often descended into violent clashes with security forces, especially in Paris. By 1.00 pm (11 GMT) police had arrested 106 demonstrators, police headquarters said, adding that some had been found to carry hammers or petrol canisters. "We are being treated like criminals," said a woman, who identified herself as Brigitte. The authorities had banned demonstrations in some areas of the city, including tourism hotspot Champs-Elysees, but some protesters violated the ban, leading to a tense standoff with police who used teargas and batons to scatter them. Macron on Friday called for "calm", saying that while "it's good that people express themselves", they should not disrupt a climate protest and cultural events also due to go ahead on Saturday. The number of police deployed for Saturday's rallies are on a par with the peak of the yellow vest protests in December and March. 'Black blocs' Key yellow-vest figure Jerome Rodrigues has billed Saturday's protest as "a revelatory demonstration", claiming "many people are going to come to Paris". But officials have again outlawed protests on the Champs-Elysees and other areas in the heart of the capital, where previously protesters had ransacked and set fire to luxury shops and restaurants. Some demonstrators in January even used a forklift truck to break down the doors of a government ministry. The police have also been criticised for being heavy-handed in clashes with hardcore anti-capitalist "black bloc" groups blamed for much of the violence that has accompanied the demonstrations. Saturday coincides with the annual European Heritage Days weekend, when public and private buildings normally off-limits to the public are open to visitors. After attracting 282,000 people nationwide on the first day of protests last November, yellow-vest protest participation had fallen sharply by the spring, and only sporadic protests were seen over the summer. Macron said in an interview with Time magazine published Thursday that the movement had been "very good for me" as it had made him listen and communicate better. "My challenge is to listen to people much better than I did at the very beginning," the president said.

More than 100 arrested in Paris 'yellow vest' protests

Yellow vest protesters clashed with riot police in Paris and the northern city of Amiens on Saturday as the French anti-government movement warned on its 28th straight weekend.

Police in Amiens, the hometown of President Emmanuel Macron, fired teargas at about 1,200 demonstrators after a group pelted stones at police, attacked local bank branches and set fire to rubbish cans, the local police chief's office said.

Police detained 27 people in the city.

A few hundred protesters also clashed with police in downtown Paris, in and around the Place de la Republique.

After more than six months, the grassroots movement protesting over the cost of living and Macron's perceived indifference seems to be losing steam.

Around the country only 12,500 demonstrators took to the streets during the latest day of protests, the lowest turnout since the movement started, the French interior ministry said. At the peak in November, more than 300,000 were taking part nationally.

The prolonged protests, named after the high-visibility jackets worn by participants and which began in opposition to fuel tax increases, have hampered Macron's efforts to push his reform timetable and forced him into costly concessions.

Despite Macron's swift reversal of the tax hikes and introduction of other measures worth more than 10 billion euros ($11 billion) to boost the purchasing power of lower-income voters, protests and riots continued all over the country.

As he was celebrating his second anniversary in power, Macron last month offered more tax cuts worth 5 billion euros, along with other measures.

The protests also battered Macron's party in its campaign for European elections to be held on Sunday. La Republique en Marche is polling neck-and-neck with the far-right National Rally.

Yellow vest protesters clashed with riot police in Paris and the northern city of Amiens on Saturday as the French anti-government movement warned on its 28th straight weekend.

Yellow vest protesters clashed with riot police in Paris and the northern city of Amiens on Saturday as the French anti-government movement warned on its 28th straight weekend. Police in Amiens, the hometown of President Emmanuel Macron, fired teargas at about 1,200 demonstrators after a group pelted stones at police, attacked local bank branches and set fire to rubbish cans, the local police chief's office said. Police detained 27 people in the city. A few hundred protesters also clashed with police in downtown Paris, in and around the Place de la Republique. After more than six months, the grassroots movement protesting over the cost of living and Macron's perceived indifference seems to be losing steam. Around the country only 12,500 demonstrators took to the streets during the latest day of protests, the lowest turnout since the movement started, the French interior ministry said. At the peak in November, more than 300,000 were taking part nationally. The prolonged protests, named after the high-visibility jackets worn by participants and which began in opposition to fuel tax increases, have hampered Macron's efforts to push his reform timetable and forced him into costly concessions. Despite Macron's swift reversal of the tax hikes and introduction of other measures worth more than 10 billion euros ($11 billion) to boost the purchasing power of lower-income voters, protests and riots continued all over the country. As he was celebrating his second anniversary in power, Macron last month offered more tax cuts worth 5 billion euros, along with other measures. The protests also battered Macron's party in its campaign for European elections to be held on Sunday. La Republique en Marche is polling neck-and-neck with the far-right National Rally.

French yellow vest protesters clash with police but numbers wane

Macron offers tax cut to French workers to quell anger and protests. Watch full video to know more.

French President Emmanuel Macron offers tax cuts to workers

French police said they arrested more than 200 "<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/french-police-arrest-over-100-yellow-vest-demonstrators-as-protests-resume-212111&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiWydHe2-DhAhUBY48KHYdGD94QFggLMAI&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2GhHLjYg6mDsrc7SmLU1fT">yellow vest</a>" demonstrators in Paris on Saturday as clashes broke out with demonstrators turning out for the 23rd week of anti-government protests.

AFP journalists reported scuffles between police and protesters in the afternoon, after hours of calm, as police used stun grenades and tear gas to disperse marchers in the centre of the French capital.

Some protesters threw bottles and other objects at police and set fire to vehicles, safety barriers and bins.

Between the two major squares of Bastille and Republique, the damage done had been considerable, said Emmanuel Gregoire, deputy mayor of Paris, told AFP.

"The violence has to stop!" he added.

Across France, the authorities mobilised more than 60,000 police officers and paramilitary gendarmes to try to contain what they feared would be a surge in violence similar to the March 16 riots that wrought havoc along the Champs-Elysees.

Paris police reported 227 arrests and more than 20,500 checks on individual protesters. By early evening, 178 had been detained, including six minors, said the prosecutor's office.

Interior Minister Christophe Castaner congratulated the police on limiting the damage, "despite the willingness of some demonstrators to break things again".

Although the main protest took place in Paris this weekend, there were also demonstrations in other cities, including Lille in the north and Bordeaux and Toulouse in the southwest.

'Don't forget Les Miserables'&nbsp;

Yellow vest protests were banned from the area around Notre-Dame Cathedral, parts of which are still sealed off after Monday's devastating blaze.

But more than one protester expressed frustration at the largesse of several French tycoons who have promised millions towards the cathedral's restoration.

"We're worth a cathedral," said one placard at a protest in Montpellier.

Others picked up on a tweet by French writer Olivier Pourriol.

"Victor Hugo thanks all those generous donors ready to save Notre-Dame of Paris and proposes they do the same thing for Les Miserables," he wrote referring to Hugo's famous novel about the poorest people in Paris.

The fire at Notre-Dame forced French President <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-to-answer-yellow-vest-protests-next-week-through-press-conference-211916&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiWydHe2-DhAhUBY48KHYdGD94QFggRMAQ&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3poxIxB09R37VCYhPKqAJ7">Emmanuel</a> to postpone a live broadcast announcing fresh measures to try to meet the grievances of ordinary French citizens.

He will now unveil that package on Thursday, though many yellow jackets protesters have already made it clear they expect little.

Hospitals deny allegations&nbsp;

Health officials in Paris meanwhile denied allegations that hospital staff had passed on the details of injured yellow vest protesters to police.

One protester, 30-year-old Sebastian Maillet, who lost a hand when a police stun grenade exploded during one of the February protests in Paris, has announced the legal action.

And on Friday, the National Council of the Order of Doctors said they had contacted the health ministry and France's data protection watchdog CNIL, raising questions about patient confidentiality.

In a joint statement Saturday, the Paris state hospitals body (AP-HP) and the regional health authority insisted the files were simply to ensure the most effective treatment of injured people.

The government has already been criticised at home and abroad about the number of serious injuries protesters have suffered during the demonstrations.

There has been controversy too over new powers granted to the security forces, which opponents say violate civil liberties, measures that Macron signed into law earlier this month.

One measure banned protesters from covering their faces, but France's Constitutional Council, its highest constitutional authority, refused to give the green light to one of the most contentious parts of the legislation.&nbsp;

It would also have given the authorities the power to ban from demonstrations any individual "posing a particularly serious threat to public order".

The yellow vest movement is demanding changes to the government's social and fiscal policies.

Interior ministry figures put the number of demonstrators nationwide at 27,900 across the country and 9,000 in Paris.

Protest organisers, who have repeatedly said the official figures are underestimated, put the turnout across the country at more than 100,000.

French police said they arrested more than 200 "yellow vest" demonstrators in Paris on Saturday as clashes broke out with demonstrators turning out for the 23rd week of anti-government protests.

French police said they arrested more than 200 "yellow vest" demonstrators in Paris on Saturday as clashes broke out with demonstrators turning out for the 23rd week of anti-government protests. AFP journalists reported scuffles between police and protesters in the afternoon, after hours of calm, as police used stun grenades and tear gas to disperse marchers in the centre of the French capital. Some protesters threw bottles and other objects at police and set fire to vehicles, safety barriers and bins. Between the two major squares of Bastille and Republique, the damage done had been considerable, said Emmanuel Gregoire, deputy mayor of Paris, told AFP. "The violence has to stop!" he added. Across France, the authorities mobilised more than 60,000 police officers and paramilitary gendarmes to try to contain what they feared would be a surge in violence similar to the March 16 riots that wrought havoc along the Champs-Elysees. Paris police reported 227 arrests and more than 20,500 checks on individual protesters. By early evening, 178 had been detained, including six minors, said the prosecutor's office. Interior Minister Christophe Castaner congratulated the police on limiting the damage, "despite the willingness of some demonstrators to break things again". Although the main protest took place in Paris this weekend, there were also demonstrations in other cities, including Lille in the north and Bordeaux and Toulouse in the southwest. 'Don't forget Les Miserables' Yellow vest protests were banned from the area around Notre-Dame Cathedral, parts of which are still sealed off after Monday's devastating blaze. But more than one protester expressed frustration at the largesse of several French tycoons who have promised millions towards the cathedral's restoration. "We're worth a cathedral," said one placard at a protest in Montpellier. Others picked up on a tweet by French writer Olivier Pourriol. "Victor Hugo thanks all those generous donors ready to save Notre-Dame of Paris and proposes they do the same thing for Les Miserables," he wrote referring to Hugo's famous novel about the poorest people in Paris. The fire at Notre-Dame forced French President Emmanuel to postpone a live broadcast announcing fresh measures to try to meet the grievances of ordinary French citizens. He will now unveil that package on Thursday, though many yellow jackets protesters have already made it clear they expect little. Hospitals deny allegations Health officials in Paris meanwhile denied allegations that hospital staff had passed on the details of injured yellow vest protesters to police. One protester, 30-year-old Sebastian Maillet, who lost a hand when a police stun grenade exploded during one of the February protests in Paris, has announced the legal action. And on Friday, the National Council of the Order of Doctors said they had contacted the health ministry and France's data protection watchdog CNIL, raising questions about patient confidentiality. In a joint statement Saturday, the Paris state hospitals body (AP-HP) and the regional health authority insisted the files were simply to ensure the most effective treatment of injured people. The government has already been criticised at home and abroad about the number of serious injuries protesters have suffered during the demonstrations. There has been controversy too over new powers granted to the security forces, which opponents say violate civil liberties, measures that Macron signed into law earlier this month. One measure banned protesters from covering their faces, but France's Constitutional Council, its highest constitutional authority, refused to give the green light to one of the most contentious parts of the legislation. It would also have given the authorities the power to ban from demonstrations any individual "posing a particularly serious threat to public order". The yellow vest movement is demanding changes to the government's social and fiscal policies. Interior ministry figures put the number of demonstrators nationwide at 27,900 across the country and 9,000 in Paris. Protest organisers, who have repeatedly said the official figures are underestimated, put the turnout across the country at more than 100,000.

Police arrest 'yellow vest' demonstrators as clashes break out

France's "yellow vest" protests are part of a humanist movement aimed at improving the lives of everyone in the country, one demonstrator said on Saturday, defending those who took to the streets for the 14th weekend in a row.

A poll this week showed dwindling support for the demonstrations, named for motorists' high-visibility jackets, which began in November over fuel taxes and morphed into a more general revolt against politicians and a government they see as out of touch.

More than half of those surveyed said they wanted the occasionally violent protests to end.

"I can understand that some people have had enough, but we're not doing this just for us," said Madeleine, a 33-year old unemployed protester. "It's a very humanist movement and we're doing this for everyone. So if right now they're fed up, then too bad for them."

There has been infighting between leaders of the grassroots movement, although some have outlined plans to extend the weekly protests to Sunday.

The number of protesters have fallen from highs of over 300,000 nationwide in November to around 50,000 last week, according to government estimates.

French interior ministry said around 10,200 protesters took part in demonstrations across the country by 1300 GMT on Saturday, including 3,000 in the capital, compared with 4,000 in Paris last week.

Late in the afternoon, police and some hooded protesters clashed at the Esplanade des Invalides in central Paris where the march was expected to end.

Police fired tear gas and charged, to disperse projectile-throwing demonstrators.

Earlier on Saturday, protesters gathered at the symbolic rallying point at the Arc de Triomphe, a flashpoint of clashes with the police in the early days of the protest, before marching towards the Eiffel Tower and through other majors streets in Paris.

Protests were also held in other major cities including Bordeaux, Strasbourg, Marseille and Lyon with no reports of violence. Protesters tried to block a depot operated by online retail giant Amazon, while others set bins on fire and threw stones at the police in Toulouse, in the south of France, BFM Television reported.

France's "yellow vest" protests are part of a humanist movement aimed at improving the lives of everyone in the country, one demonstrator said on Saturday, defending those who took to the streets for the 14th weekend in a row.

France's "yellow vest" protests are part of a humanist movement aimed at improving the lives of everyone in the country, one demonstrator said on Saturday, defending those who took to the streets for the 14th weekend in a row. A poll this week showed dwindling support for the demonstrations, named for motorists' high-visibility jackets, which began in November over fuel taxes and morphed into a more general revolt against politicians and a government they see as out of touch. More than half of those surveyed said they wanted the occasionally violent protests to end. "I can understand that some people have had enough, but we're not doing this just for us," said Madeleine, a 33-year old unemployed protester. "It's a very humanist movement and we're doing this for everyone. So if right now they're fed up, then too bad for them." There has been infighting between leaders of the grassroots movement, although some have outlined plans to extend the weekly protests to Sunday. The number of protesters have fallen from highs of over 300,000 nationwide in November to around 50,000 last week, according to government estimates. French interior ministry said around 10,200 protesters took part in demonstrations across the country by 1300 GMT on Saturday, including 3,000 in the capital, compared with 4,000 in Paris last week. Late in the afternoon, police and some hooded protesters clashed at the Esplanade des Invalides in central Paris where the march was expected to end. Police fired tear gas and charged, to disperse projectile-throwing demonstrators. Earlier on Saturday, protesters gathered at the symbolic rallying point at the Arc de Triomphe, a flashpoint of clashes with the police in the early days of the protest, before marching towards the Eiffel Tower and through other majors streets in Paris. Protests were also held in other major cities including Bordeaux, Strasbourg, Marseille and Lyon with no reports of violence. Protesters tried to block a depot operated by online retail giant Amazon, while others set bins on fire and threw stones at the police in Toulouse, in the south of France, BFM Television reported.

French 'yellow vests' marching for everyone, protester says as support falls

French yellow vest protesters marched through Paris and other cities on Saturday in protest against high living costs and the perceived indifference of President Emmanuel Macron, whose government this week hardened its stance against them.

The street protests began peacefully in the French capital but degenerated later in the afternoon as protesters hurled missiles at riot police barricading bridges over the Seine river and torched garbage bins on the glitzy Boulevard Saint Germain.

Officers fired tear gas to prevent hundreds of demonstrators crossing the river and reaching the National Assembly. One riverboat restaurant was set ablaze and a policeman wounded when he was struck by a bicycle hurled from a street above the riverbank.

Driving the unrest is anger among workers and the lower-middle class over the squeeze on household incomes and a belief that Macron is deaf to citizens' needs as he enacts reforms seen as favouring the wealthy.

French yellow vest protesters marched through Paris and other cities on Saturday in protest against high living costs and the perceived indifference of President Emmanuel Macron, whose government this week hardened its stance against them.

French yellow vest protesters marched through Paris and other cities on Saturday in protest against high living costs and the perceived indifference of President Emmanuel Macron, whose government this week hardened its stance against them. The street protests began peacefully in the French capital but degenerated later in the afternoon as protesters hurled missiles at riot police barricading bridges over the Seine river and torched garbage bins on the glitzy Boulevard Saint Germain. Officers fired tear gas to prevent hundreds of demonstrators crossing the river and reaching the National Assembly. One riverboat restaurant was set ablaze and a policeman wounded when he was struck by a bicycle hurled from a street above the riverbank. Driving the unrest is anger among workers and the lower-middle class over the squeeze on household incomes and a belief that Macron is deaf to citizens' needs as he enacts reforms seen as favouring the wealthy.

French 'yellow vests' rail against unrepentant Macron, tear gas in Paris

New Year's Eve celebrations on the Champs-Elysees in Paris will go ahead despite plans for another "yellow vest" anti-government protest on the famed avenue, city officials said on Thursday.

Tens of thousands of tourists and locals traditionally ring in the new year on the wide shopping boulevard, which ends with the Arc de Triomphe monument.

The Champs-Elysees has since last month been the epicentre of repeated violent protests against President Emmanuel Macron's government, with the Arc de Triomphe ransacked on December 1.

While the numbers turning out at protests across the country have dwindled dramatically, some "yellow vests" have called online for a New Year's Eve protest on the Champs-Elysees.

On Facebook 7,400 people are listed as planning to attend what it calls a "festive and non-violent event".

Paris officials said they would continue as planned with preparations for a fireworks display and sound and light show on the Champs-Elysees under the theme "fraternity".

The avenue is a regular gathering point for national celebrations such as Bastille Day, the Tour de France and France's victory this summer in the football World Cup.

But on recent Saturdays it has been the scene of violent clashes between riot police and "yellow vest" protesters who accuse Macron of favouring the rich with his policies.

The movement sprang up online in October and spiralled into the worst crisis of Macron's presidency, with tens of thousands blocking roads and protesting across France.

Macron sought to defuse the crisis in mid-December by announcing a 10 billion euro ($11.4 billion) package of measures to help pensioners and low-paid workers.

Since then the "yellow vests" have been split between moderates willing to engage in dialogue with the government and others intent on remaining at the barricades.

Tens of thousands of tourists and locals traditionally ring in the new year on the wide shopping boulevard, which ends with the Arc de Triomphe monument.

New Year's Eve celebrations on the Champs-Elysees in Paris will go ahead despite plans for another "yellow vest" anti-government protest on the famed avenue, city officials said on Thursday. Tens of thousands of tourists and locals traditionally ring in the new year on the wide shopping boulevard, which ends with the Arc de Triomphe monument. The Champs-Elysees has since last month been the epicentre of repeated violent protests against President Emmanuel Macron's government, with the Arc de Triomphe ransacked on December 1. While the numbers turning out at protests across the country have dwindled dramatically, some "yellow vests" have called online for a New Year's Eve protest on the Champs-Elysees. On Facebook 7,400 people are listed as planning to attend what it calls a "festive and non-violent event". Paris officials said they would continue as planned with preparations for a fireworks display and sound and light show on the Champs-Elysees under the theme "fraternity". The avenue is a regular gathering point for national celebrations such as Bastille Day, the Tour de France and France's victory this summer in the football World Cup. But on recent Saturdays it has been the scene of violent clashes between riot police and "yellow vest" protesters who accuse Macron of favouring the rich with his policies. The movement sprang up online in October and spiralled into the worst crisis of Macron's presidency, with tens of thousands blocking roads and protesting across France. Macron sought to defuse the crisis in mid-December by announcing a 10 billion euro ($11.4 billion) package of measures to help pensioners and low-paid workers. Since then the "yellow vests" have been split between moderates willing to engage in dialogue with the government and others intent on remaining at the barricades.

Paris New Year's Eve bash is on despite 'yellow vest' protests

I was in Paris on November 11, 2018, and drove 200 km north to Lille to participate in the hundredth anniversary of Armistice Day with the people of the township of Levantie where my regiment fought during the Great War. Paris was as beautiful as ever especially as one drove along the Champs de Elysees past the Arc de Triomphe. Sitting at a roadside cafe, one could sense how busy Parisians were with their lives. The multitudes of ethnicities and faiths could be sensed in the hustle and bustle of lunch hour. French President Emmanuel Macron, in a long coat and thick woollen scarf, looked immaculate and confident on television as he welcomed world leaders for the Armistice Day celebrations and even offered advice on resolving the world’s problems.

Within a week after my return, everything seemed to have gone berserk in Paris. In France, after every few years, this happens with fair regularity. This time it’s the Yellow Vests rebellion, the name coming from the high-visibility vests that the protesters wear. My recall of France inevitably starts with the French Revolution of 1789, which in many ways gave the world the lasting socialist slogan. ‘Liberty, equality, fraternity’, the motto of the French Revolution may have many interpretations but France keeps returning to that socialist clarion call ever so often. 
 
The street rebellion of 1968 removed as iconic a leader as Charles de &nbsp;Gaulle. These are the most violent protests since then. It is being said that this time it’s all about an ecological transition; earlier rebellions in the not-too-distant past were against the markets and globalisation.

Not too many people are really aware how this started but apparently protests and demonstrations have been on in almost 2000 locations all over France since early November. Despite being social media instigated and triggered, somehow it took the political communities of France and Europe by relative surprise. It’s Macron’s supposed obsession with his own sense of responsibility which many times does border on idealism. He is committed to ecology and wishes to see France transit very early to clean fuels, renewable energy and the likes. Putting it simply, the trigger is the increase in fuel prices, done primarily to reduce consumption of hydrocarbons, reduce harmful emissions and force the transition he has in mind. He probably hoped it will reduce private transport and force people to use public transport in a much bigger way. Nothing wrong with that but the execution is akin to Marie Antoinette’s famous quip: “If the people don’t have bread, give them cake.” Macron’s perception of public transport is probably limited to cities such as Paris, Nice and Marseilles. In the little driving that I did around, in the smaller towns in the north I found no public transport worth the name. People have to use private vehicles and the fuel price increase has hit them hard. Diesel prices would increase by 30 cents a gallon and petrol by 17 cents if Macron’s proposals are finally implemented.

Yet, fuel price hike is only a trigger. Beneath that lies much more than meets the eye. It’s a lot to do with France’s societal makeup today. Macron who was enthusiastically voted to power with a 66 per cent vote over the far-right candidate Marine Le Pen is today largely considered a rich man’s President. He scrapped wealth tax on taxpayers worth 1.3 million Euro and hiked taxes on the pensioners and retirees. Very few think he has an understanding of the financial predicament of the common French people. The protests are also fuelled by the presence of immigrants and are a cause of worry regarding the security of the cities. Just two years ago, France was the victim of horrific terrorist violence perpetrated by the ISIS, an entity which still exists in the virtual networked state. Such situations with high public antipathy can give the opportunities transnational terrorist organisations seek. The Yellow Vests are in no mood for compromise although Macron has partially learnt his lessons and is willing to roll back fuel prices. They are now seeking higher pensions and minimum wages. In one of Europe’s highest taxed nations, France is unable to generate jobs for its restive young. This being a leaderless rebellion, with low profile online leaders, it’s going to be difficult to focus on neutralisation of the leadership.

Besides the immediate problems of instability in France, Macron’s future is at stake. Earlier, he was placing himself as a potential successor to German Chancellor Angela Merkel as the leader of Europe. Macron‘s chances of re-election would be greatly reduced unless the economy witnesses a turnaround. Fresh elections now could throw up unpredictable results. It could also have a snowballing effect on other European nations in the manner of the Arab Spring. That could see a resurgence of nationalism and an advantage to the right wing which, two years ago, were on the rise but whose growth was arrested by a spate of centrist parties. Security wise that would not be a very conducive thing in light of the continuing crisis all over Europe with increasing presence of immigrants.

If there is a lesson for the world in these events it is about the necessity to keep channels open for talks with different societal groups. We have yet not seen the fully unleashed power of social media as a facilitator of getting far-flung regions and people together to express their discontentment, often quite violently. 
 
(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-fuelling-the-french-rebellion-2693395">original article)</a>

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

I was in Paris on November 11, 2018, and drove 200 km north to Lille to participate in the hundredth anniversary of Armistice Day with the people of the township of Levantie where my regiment fought during the Great War.

I was in Paris on November 11, 2018, and drove 200 km north to Lille to participate in the hundredth anniversary of Armistice Day with the people of the township of Levantie where my regiment fought during the Great War. Paris was as beautiful as ever especially as one drove along the Champs de Elysees past the Arc de Triomphe. Sitting at a roadside cafe, one could sense how busy Parisians were with their lives. The multitudes of ethnicities and faiths could be sensed in the hustle and bustle of lunch hour. French President Emmanuel Macron, in a long coat and thick woollen scarf, looked immaculate and confident on television as he welcomed world leaders for the Armistice Day celebrations and even offered advice on resolving the world’s problems. Within a week after my return, everything seemed to have gone berserk in Paris. In France, after every few years, this happens with fair regularity. This time it’s the Yellow Vests rebellion, the name coming from the high-visibility vests that the protesters wear. My recall of France inevitably starts with the French Revolution of 1789, which in many ways gave the world the lasting socialist slogan. ‘Liberty, equality, fraternity’, the motto of the French Revolution may have many interpretations but France keeps returning to that socialist clarion call ever so often. The street rebellion of 1968 removed as iconic a leader as Charles de Gaulle. These are the most violent protests since then. It is being said that this time it’s all about an ecological transition; earlier rebellions in the not-too-distant past were against the markets and globalisation. Not too many people are really aware how this started but apparently protests and demonstrations have been on in almost 2000 locations all over France since early November. Despite being social media instigated and triggered, somehow it took the political communities of France and Europe by relative surprise. It’s Macron’s supposed obsession with his own sense of responsibility which many times does border on idealism. He is committed to ecology and wishes to see France transit very early to clean fuels, renewable energy and the likes. Putting it simply, the trigger is the increase in fuel prices, done primarily to reduce consumption of hydrocarbons, reduce harmful emissions and force the transition he has in mind. He probably hoped it will reduce private transport and force people to use public transport in a much bigger way. Nothing wrong with that but the execution is akin to Marie Antoinette’s famous quip: “If the people don’t have bread, give them cake.” Macron’s perception of public transport is probably limited to cities such as Paris, Nice and Marseilles. In the little driving that I did around, in the smaller towns in the north I found no public transport worth the name. People have to use private vehicles and the fuel price increase has hit them hard. Diesel prices would increase by 30 cents a gallon and petrol by 17 cents if Macron’s proposals are finally implemented. Yet, fuel price hike is only a trigger. Beneath that lies much more than meets the eye. It’s a lot to do with France’s societal makeup today. Macron who was enthusiastically voted to power with a 66 per cent vote over the far-right candidate Marine Le Pen is today largely considered a rich man’s President. He scrapped wealth tax on taxpayers worth 1.3 million Euro and hiked taxes on the pensioners and retirees. Very few think he has an understanding of the financial predicament of the common French people. The protests are also fuelled by the presence of immigrants and are a cause of worry regarding the security of the cities. Just two years ago, France was the victim of horrific terrorist violence perpetrated by the ISIS, an entity which still exists in the virtual networked state. Such situations with high public antipathy can give the opportunities transnational terrorist organisations seek. The Yellow Vests are in no mood for compromise although Macron has partially learnt his lessons and is willing to roll back fuel prices. They are now seeking higher pensions and minimum wages. In one of Europe’s highest taxed nations, France is unable to generate jobs for its restive young. This being a leaderless rebellion, with low profile online leaders, it’s going to be difficult to focus on neutralisation of the leadership. Besides the immediate problems of instability in France, Macron’s future is at stake. Earlier, he was placing himself as a potential successor to German Chancellor Angela Merkel as the leader of Europe. Macron‘s chances of re-election would be greatly reduced unless the economy witnesses a turnaround. Fresh elections now could throw up unpredictable results. It could also have a snowballing effect on other European nations in the manner of the Arab Spring. That could see a resurgence of nationalism and an advantage to the right wing which, two years ago, were on the rise but whose growth was arrested by a spate of centrist parties. Security wise that would not be a very conducive thing in light of the continuing crisis all over Europe with increasing presence of immigrants. If there is a lesson for the world in these events it is about the necessity to keep channels open for talks with different societal groups. We have yet not seen the fully unleashed power of social media as a facilitator of getting far-flung regions and people together to express their discontentment, often quite violently. (This article was originally published on DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Fuelling the French rebellion

French President <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/macron-seeks-way-out-of-crisis-after-paris-riots-181190">Emmanuel Macron</a> and Prime Minister Edouard Philippe's approval ratings hit new lows as the "yellow vest" protests gathered pace, according to an Ifop-Fiducial poll for Paris Match and Sud Radio published on Tuesday.

Macron's approval rating fell to 23 per cent in the poll conducted late last week, down six points on the previous month. Philippe's rating fell 10 points to 26 per cent.

The president's score matches the low charted by his predecessor Francois Hollande in late 2013, according to Paris Match. Hollande was then considered to be the least popular leader in modern French history.

The first "yellow vest" demonstrations were held on November 17 to contest fuel-tax rises, and have since evolved into a broader protest movement and anti-Macron uprising.

Protests in Paris on December 1 turned particularly violent, with the Arc de Triomphe defaced and avenues off Paris's Champs Elysees suffering mass vandalism.

A government source said on Tuesday that the French government is preparing to suspend fuel tax increases in the wake of violent protests against the measures.

The source added that Prime Minister Edouard Philippe was due to announce the suspension later on Tuesday.

French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Edouard Philippe's approval ratings hit new lows as the "yellow vest" protests gathered pace, according to an Ifop-Fiducial poll for Paris Match and Sud Radio published on Tuesday.

French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Edouard Philippe's approval ratings hit new lows as the "yellow vest" protests gathered pace, according to an Ifop-Fiducial poll for Paris Match and Sud Radio published on Tuesday. Macron's approval rating fell to 23 per cent in the poll conducted late last week, down six points on the previous month. Philippe's rating fell 10 points to 26 per cent. The president's score matches the low charted by his predecessor Francois Hollande in late 2013, according to Paris Match. Hollande was then considered to be the least popular leader in modern French history. The first "yellow vest" demonstrations were held on November 17 to contest fuel-tax rises, and have since evolved into a broader protest movement and anti-Macron uprising. Protests in Paris on December 1 turned particularly violent, with the Arc de Triomphe defaced and avenues off Paris's Champs Elysees suffering mass vandalism. A government source said on Tuesday that the French government is preparing to suspend fuel tax increases in the wake of violent protests against the measures. The source added that Prime Minister Edouard Philippe was due to announce the suspension later on Tuesday.

Macron's popularity hits new low amid French protests: Poll

French ambulance drivers stage protest against President Macron's reforms

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