French government used special constitutional powers to enact contentious legislation that would raise the retirement age for the majority of workers from 62 to 64. The no-confidence vote that were held on Monday were requested by lawmakers who were against the reforms.

Rubbish piles up in Paris, protests over pension reforms continue across France

Protests continue throughout France as thousands of people marched through the country amidst anger against the government for passing the pension reform bill without a Parliamentary vote. In capital, Paris, police clashed with the demonstrators for the third night in a row.

France: Protests continue over pension reforms, garbage collectors extend strike

Police clashed with protesters in Paris after the French government took the decision to force through pension reforms without voting in parliament. People gathered on Place de la Concorde to protest against the increase in the retirement age from 62 to 64. As protests escalated, tear gas was fired by the police as they tried to disperse the crowd. Protesters were seen throwing cobblestones.

Fresh protests erupt as French government pushes pension bill without full vote

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all latest news and top headlines from all across the globe. Protests in Paris turned violent on the streets of Paris as thousands took to the streets across France to protest against pension reforms. Meanwhile UK government has banned TikTok on government devices.

Protests turn violent in Paris; UK bans TikTok on government devices

The French government will force rubbish collectors in Paris to return to work after the long strikes<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-government-doubles-down-on-pension-reforms-571237"> following a days-long strike against pension reforms</a> has left many streets in the capital piled with stinking waste. On Wednesday, police chief Laurent Nunez informed Paris mayor&nbsp;Anne Hidalgo that the government would use its power&nbsp;to "requisition" striking trash collectors, forcing them back to work under threat of prosecution, the news agency AFP reported on Thursday

According to city hall figures, around 7,600 tonnes of rubbish were piled on the streets of Paris by Wednesday.&nbsp;

For weeks, workers in France have walked off the job in protest against President Emmanuel&nbsp;Macron's plans to reform the pension system, whose headline measures are raising the retirement age from 62 to 64 and increasing the number of years people must pay in to receive a full pension.

AFP reported that rubbish collectors have run one of the few rolling strikes against the proposed changes, while&nbsp;other sectors have held successive one-day walkouts accompanying mass demonstrations.

Paris Mayor Hidalgo- who sides with the protesters- said that the demand of the rubbish workers in the capital, who do not want to work for two years longer, was fair.&nbsp;

"The only answer that could calm the current climate is social dialogue, rather than a test of strength," she added.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, private waste collection company Derichebourg said that it would stop filling in for city binmen after it was threatened with pickets on its depots. And a day later, police cleared a blockade at another private waste firm, Pizzorno Environment, allowing its trucks to resume collections in Paris' 15th district and from 150 schools across the capital.&nbsp;

And on Thursday, thousands of people massed in France's capital to protest President Macron's government imposing the controversial pensions overhaul without a parliament vote.

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The French government will force rubbish collectors in Paris to return to work after the long strikes following a days-long strike against pension reforms has left many streets in the capital piled with stinking waste.

The French government will force rubbish collectors in Paris to return to work after the long strikes following a days-long strike against pension reforms has left many streets in the capital piled with stinking waste. On Wednesday, police chief Laurent Nunez informed Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo that the government would use its power to "requisition" striking trash collectors, forcing them back to work under threat of prosecution, the news agency AFP reported on Thursday According to city hall figures, around 7,600 tonnes of rubbish were piled on the streets of Paris by Wednesday. For weeks, workers in France have walked off the job in protest against President Emmanuel Macron's plans to reform the pension system, whose headline measures are raising the retirement age from 62 to 64 and increasing the number of years people must pay in to receive a full pension. AFP reported that rubbish collectors have run one of the few rolling strikes against the proposed changes, while other sectors have held successive one-day walkouts accompanying mass demonstrations. Paris Mayor Hidalgo- who sides with the protesters- said that the demand of the rubbish workers in the capital, who do not want to work for two years longer, was fair. "The only answer that could calm the current climate is social dialogue, rather than a test of strength," she added. On Wednesday, private waste collection company Derichebourg said that it would stop filling in for city binmen after it was threatened with pickets on its depots. And a day later, police cleared a blockade at another private waste firm, Pizzorno Environment, allowing its trucks to resume collections in Paris' 15th district and from 150 schools across the capital. And on Thursday, thousands of people massed in France's capital to protest President Macron's government imposing the controversial pensions overhaul without a parliament vote. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

France protests: Govt to force Paris rubbish collectors to return to work as trash stacks up

Despite raging protests across the country. The French senate has decided to adopt Macron's unpopular pension reform plan. There were 195 votes for and 112 votes against the bill in which a key point is to raise the age of retirement by two years from 62 to 64.

French senate passes pension reform bill amid raging protests

French labour union said on Thursday that they have&nbsp;cut the power to Paris 2024 Olympic building sites, news agency AFP reported. The development comes after the French&nbsp;senate on Thursday voted to raise the retirement age by two years to 64, in the face of strong opposition from labour unions.

The legislative body voted in favour of a decisive article to raise the age of retirement by 201 votes to 115.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mini-victory-for-macron-as-french-senate-approves-raising-retirement-age-to-64-570201">'Mini-victory' for Macron as French Senate vote approves raising retirement age to 64</a>

The affected sites include the building sites for the Olympic Village for the 2024 Paris Olympics, as well as the main Stade de France stadium.

For the third day in a row, unions have kept up the resisting actions to force Macron government to drop the plan of raising the retirement age.&nbsp;

The government&nbsp;says raising the retirement age from 62 to 64 and tightening the requirements for a full pension are necessary to keep the French pension system from sinking into deficit.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;France: Day of protests against pension reforms

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"Faced with a government that refuses to budge, we too are refusing to budge," Sebastien Menesplier, secretary general of the hardline CGT union's energy branch, was quoted as saying by AFP.

"I appeal to the responsibility of the government and the president of the republic: withdraw your reform and the electricians and the gas workers will work for the public service and the general interest", he added.

<h2>France protests: How the supplies to Olympic sites were cut off?</h2>

Reports in the French media said that about three hundred men were present to cut off the supplies. Some, hooded, raised their arms and lit smoke bombs to hide those who cut the power from the cameras.

Strikers in the energy sector have since Tuesday staged wildcat power cuts, plunging certain sites across the country into darkness.

Government spokesman Olivier Veran on Wednesday condemned the wildcat cuts while expressing respect for the right to express disagreement in the street.

"We condemn calls to bring our economy to its knees because this is irresponsible. The only thing we want to bring to its knees is unemployment," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

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French labour union said on Thursday that they have cut the power to Paris 2024 Olympic building sites, news agency AFP reported. The development comes after the French senate on Thursday voted to raise the retirement age by two years to 64, in the face of strong opposition from labour unions.

French labour union said on Thursday that they have cut the power to Paris 2024 Olympic building sites, news agency AFP reported. The development comes after the French senate on Thursday voted to raise the retirement age by two years to 64, in the face of strong opposition from labour unions. The legislative body voted in favour of a decisive article to raise the age of retirement by 201 votes to 115. ALSO READ | 'Mini-victory' for Macron as French Senate vote approves raising retirement age to 64 The affected sites include the building sites for the Olympic Village for the 2024 Paris Olympics, as well as the main Stade de France stadium. For the third day in a row, unions have kept up the resisting actions to force Macron government to drop the plan of raising the retirement age. The government says raising the retirement age from 62 to 64 and tightening the requirements for a full pension are necessary to keep the French pension system from sinking into deficit. ALSO WATCH | France: Day of protests against pension reforms × "Faced with a government that refuses to budge, we too are refusing to budge," Sebastien Menesplier, secretary general of the hardline CGT union's energy branch, was quoted as saying by AFP. "I appeal to the responsibility of the government and the president of the republic: withdraw your reform and the electricians and the gas workers will work for the public service and the general interest", he added. France protests: How the supplies to Olympic sites were cut off? Reports in the French media said that about three hundred men were present to cut off the supplies. Some, hooded, raised their arms and lit smoke bombs to hide those who cut the power from the cameras. Strikers in the energy sector have since Tuesday staged wildcat power cuts, plunging certain sites across the country into darkness. Government spokesman Olivier Veran on Wednesday condemned the wildcat cuts while expressing respect for the right to express disagreement in the street. "We condemn calls to bring our economy to its knees because this is irresponsible. The only thing we want to bring to its knees is unemployment," he added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

France protests: Labour union says it has cut power to Paris Olympics sites

French President Emmanuel Macron's plans to push the retirement age to 64 faced remarkable resistance on March 7 after around 1.28 million people came on the streets to protest the move.

Police used tear gas in Paris, while reports in the French media cited numerous&nbsp;minor clashes in the western city of Nantes. However,&nbsp;more than 260 union-organised rallies across the country were mostly peaceful, the news agency AFP reported.

Only one in five regional and high-speed trains were running, and the Paris metro system was operating with limited capacity.

"The government has to take (resistance) into account when there are so many people in the streets, when they're having so much trouble explaining and passing their reform," CFDT union chief Laurent Berger was quoted as saying by the AFP.

President Macron has championed the retirement age reforms since coming to power in 2017. Macron views it as essential to cutting pension system deficits forecast for the coming decades.

<h2>French opposition calls for reversal of Macron's pension age decision</h2>

Macron's political opponents and union leaders sought to convince people&nbsp;that massive street protests could force the Macron&nbsp;government into a U-turn.

"On the one hand, there's (Macron's) will, on the other the will of the people," hard-left presidential candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon told a demonstration in the Mediterranean port city of Marseille.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-protests-live-macrons-pension-reforms-brings-country-to-standstill-train-services-cancelled-569563">France protests: Macron's pension reforms lead&nbsp;to clashes between demonstrators and police in Paris</a>

"Who should have the last word? Of course, it should be the people," he added, calling for fresh elections or a referendum on the changes. Police were expecting 1.1 to 1.4 million people to protest&nbsp;with estimates from the interior minister and the unions expected later in the day.

<h2>France protests: Why change in retirement age?</h2>

The Macron&nbsp;government has asserted in the past that raising the retirement age from 62 to 64 means abolishing privileges enjoyed by employees in some sectors. It has also pointed out that rejigging&nbsp;the requirements for a full pension are required to balance the pension system.

Many of France's European neighbours have hiked the retirement age to 65 or above.

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Its spending on pensions is the third highest among industrialised countries, at about 14.5 per cent of the GDP, according to data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

"If we want to keep this system going, we need to work longer," Macron said last month.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

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French President Emmanuel Macron's plans to push the retirement age to 64 faced remarkable resistance on March 7 after around 1.28 million people came on the streets to protest the move.

French President Emmanuel Macron's plans to push the retirement age to 64 faced remarkable resistance on March 7 after around 1.28 million people came on the streets to protest the move. Police used tear gas in Paris, while reports in the French media cited numerous minor clashes in the western city of Nantes. However, more than 260 union-organised rallies across the country were mostly peaceful, the news agency AFP reported. Only one in five regional and high-speed trains were running, and the Paris metro system was operating with limited capacity. "The government has to take (resistance) into account when there are so many people in the streets, when they're having so much trouble explaining and passing their reform," CFDT union chief Laurent Berger was quoted as saying by the AFP. President Macron has championed the retirement age reforms since coming to power in 2017. Macron views it as essential to cutting pension system deficits forecast for the coming decades. French opposition calls for reversal of Macron's pension age decision Macron's political opponents and union leaders sought to convince people that massive street protests could force the Macron government into a U-turn. "On the one hand, there's (Macron's) will, on the other the will of the people," hard-left presidential candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon told a demonstration in the Mediterranean port city of Marseille. ALSO READ | France protests: Macron's pension reforms lead to clashes between demonstrators and police in Paris "Who should have the last word? Of course, it should be the people," he added, calling for fresh elections or a referendum on the changes. Police were expecting 1.1 to 1.4 million people to protest with estimates from the interior minister and the unions expected later in the day. France protests: Why change in retirement age? The Macron government has asserted in the past that raising the retirement age from 62 to 64 means abolishing privileges enjoyed by employees in some sectors. It has also pointed out that rejigging the requirements for a full pension are required to balance the pension system. Many of France's European neighbours have hiked the retirement age to 65 or above. ALSO WATCH | WION Speed News | France: Day of protests against pension reforms × Its spending on pensions is the third highest among industrialised countries, at about 14.5 per cent of the GDP, according to data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. "If we want to keep this system going, we need to work longer," Macron said last month. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

France protests: Around 1.28 million people demonstrate against Macron's pension reforms

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all latest news and top headlines from all across the globe.

WION Speed News | France: Day of protests against pension reforms

Thousand of people in France are continuing to protest against the pension reform plans imposed by the government. The unions are hoping to match a mass turnout as more than a million people marched in opposition to the plans.

France protests rage on! Unions ready to call for mass turnout

French Economy and Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire has said that the French government has relied too much on external consultants such as U.S. firm McKinsey.

France went 'too far' in relying on consultants like McKinsey, says France's Le Maire

Thousands of people across France marched against what organisers said was going influence of the far-right ideas ahead of presidential elections due next year.

Members of more than 100 left-leaning organisations participated in 'Liberty March' in about 140 cities and towns across the country.

The march was the first opportunity for the left to come out in the streets after a year and a half of Covid-19 restrictions.

Organisers reported 70,000 in Paris and 150,000 around the nation.

The protester vented against issues like recent legislation that they say chips away at liberties. A recently-passed law that could see prosecutions for publishing footage of police officers in action was criticised.

Far-right ideas "are no longer the monopoly of far-right parties and ... have now largely penetrated the political class," said Benoit Hamon, who was a Socialist presidential candidate in 2017.

In Paris, hard-left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon had flour thrown in his face as he spoke to reporters.

The move against the veteran politician, who has been accused of fuelling conspiracy theories ahead of next year's elections, came days after President Emmanuel Macron was slapped in the face while shaking hands with people on a regional visit.

Group partaking included Socialists, Communists, ecologists and unions, among others.

(With inputs from agencies)

Thousands of people across France marched against what organisers said was going influence of the far-right ideas ahead of presidential elections due next year. Members of more than 100 left-leaning organisations participated in 'Liberty March' in about 140 cities and towns across the country.

Thousands of people across France marched against what organisers said was going influence of the far-right ideas ahead of presidential elections due next year. Members of more than 100 left-leaning organisations participated in 'Liberty March' in about 140 cities and towns across the country. The march was the first opportunity for the left to come out in the streets after a year and a half of Covid-19 restrictions. Organisers reported 70,000 in Paris and 150,000 around the nation. The protester vented against issues like recent legislation that they say chips away at liberties. A recently-passed law that could see prosecutions for publishing footage of police officers in action was criticised. Far-right ideas "are no longer the monopoly of far-right parties and ... have now largely penetrated the political class," said Benoit Hamon, who was a Socialist presidential candidate in 2017. In Paris, hard-left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon had flour thrown in his face as he spoke to reporters. The move against the veteran politician, who has been accused of fuelling conspiracy theories ahead of next year's elections, came days after President Emmanuel Macron was slapped in the face while shaking hands with people on a regional visit. Group partaking included Socialists, Communists, ecologists and unions, among others. (With inputs from agencies)

Thousands protest far-right ideas in France

For freedom: France takes to streets against new security bill

Police deployed a water cannon at protesters in Paris on Saturday (December 12) at a tense demonstration against a draft law that would curb rules for filming police officers.

Police fire water cannon at tense Paris 'security bill' protest

As France observed 'National Homage Day' for victims of terror, Emmanuel Macron had a message for protesters worldwide: 'I understand the outrage, but I will never accept violence over cartoons.' Palki Sharma Upadhyay gets you the story.

Gravitas: Macron's message to anti-France protesters

In a development that shows the closeness between India and France, New Delhi has come in full support for the French President Emmanuel Macron who is facing uncharitable remarks particularly after by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

India sides with Emmanuel Macron, condemns Erdogan's remarks

Protesters in Pakistan's eastern city of Lahore on Monday (October 26) burnt the French flag and chanted slogans against French President Emmanuel Macron against the images being displayed in France of the Prophet Mohammad, which some Muslims consider blasphemous.

Protests continue in Islamic world against France over cartoon row

Thousands of people gathered across France on Sunday to support teachers and defend freedom of expression after the killing of Samuel Paty, a history teacher beheaded by a suspected Islamist on Friday.

Tribute planned for beheaded teacher in France; 11 people arrested

French healthcare workers across France protested against exhausting working conditions during the coronavirus pandemic on Thursday (October 15) and demanded the government hire more personnel.

WION Dispatch: French healthcare workers protest in Paris

Protesters gathered near Eiffel Tower in Paris to demonstrate their opposition to human rights violations in China. More than 300 protesters took to Trocadero square and expressed their anger against Chinese Communist Party on Thursday.

The protesters belonged to different groups like Tibet associations, the Uyghur Association of France, SWouth Mongolians, Falange Gong, Hong Kong dissidents and Taiwanese. The protesters gave a clarion call to global leaders to resist China. Each group carried banners and flags representing their group and raised slogans against China. &nbsp;

Leaders of these groups called on the international community to support their struggle against China. Some protesters even carried 'Free Hong Kong' placards and many wore masks with 'Free Tibet printed on it.

The protest, which lasted more than three hours ended with all protesters lighting up the Paris night with their mobile phone torches and singing "We shall overcome".

The Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China also lent its support to the protest. Meanwhile, a similar kind of protest was held in Japan against the Chinese Communist Party. These protests come on the occasion of the 71st National Day of the People`s Republic of China 
&nbsp;

Protesters gathered near Eiffel Tower in Paris to demonstrate their opposition to human rights violations in China. More than 300 protesters took to Trocadero square and expressed their anger against Chinese Communist Party on Thursday.

Protesters gathered near Eiffel Tower in Paris to demonstrate their opposition to human rights violations in China. More than 300 protesters took to Trocadero square and expressed their anger against Chinese Communist Party on Thursday. The protesters belonged to different groups like Tibet associations, the Uyghur Association of France, SWouth Mongolians, Falange Gong, Hong Kong dissidents and Taiwanese. The protesters gave a clarion call to global leaders to resist China. Each group carried banners and flags representing their group and raised slogans against China. Leaders of these groups called on the international community to support their struggle against China. Some protesters even carried 'Free Hong Kong' placards and many wore masks with 'Free Tibet printed on it. The protest, which lasted more than three hours ended with all protesters lighting up the Paris night with their mobile phone torches and singing "We shall overcome". The Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China also lent its support to the protest. Meanwhile, a similar kind of protest was held in Japan against the Chinese Communist Party. These protests come on the occasion of the 71st National Day of the People`s Republic of China

Anti-China protest near Eiffel Tower decries human rights violations

The protests over the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, United States has reached across the world, where several demonstrators denouncing racism.&nbsp;

And this protest wave has given France a demand justice for Adama Traore, who was also a victim of police brutality and his killing was similar to that of Floyd.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protesters-across-the-us-march-again-demanding-police-reforms-after-floyd-killing-304116">Protesters across the US march again, demanding police reforms after Floyd killing</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protesters-across-the-us-march-again-demanding-police-reforms-after-floyd-killing-304116">&nbsp;</a>

"They died in exactly the same way," Adam's sister Assa Traore said, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

"Adama carried the weight of three officers on his body."

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-street-artist-banksy-pays-tribute-to-george-floyd-with-new-artwork-303896">British street artist Banksy pays tribute to George Floyd with new artwork</a>

Adama, also a black man like Floyd, ran from the police during an argument over an identity check after he celebrated his birthday on July 19, 2016.&nbsp;

He was nabbed after three police officers pinned him on the ground by using their combined body weight. He died as soon as the officials took him to a police station.&nbsp;

His death triggered huge protests in France, where police's high-handed actions and racism remain unaddressed.&nbsp;

Recently, the content of a Facebook group was leaked where police officers used sexist and racist terms and mocked victims of police brutality.

Even after four years, there has not been any prosecution as medical experts still couldn't conclude whether Adama died of police actions or prevailing medical condition. &nbsp;

The protests that have all faded have revived recently in France, sparked by the murder of Floyd.&nbsp;

Last week, thousands in France protested throughtout the week, with chants saying "let us breathe", "no justice, no peace".&nbsp;

"It’s a strong, powerful echo," Assa said.&nbsp;

Adama's friends and family members are urging for support for holding nationwide protests in France.&nbsp;

"All the light shed on the George Floyd case has served as a reminder of the numerous other victims who died in the same conditions as George Floyd," said actor Almamy Kanoute, who is a part of the campaign that demands justice for Adama. &nbsp;

"We’re not saying the police in France are the same as in the United States. But the deadly techniques used in the United States are the same ones as in some European countries, the same ones that kill the same type of people."

The protests over the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, United States has reached across the world, where several demonstrators denouncing racism. And this protest wave has given France a demand justice for Adama Traore, who was also a victim of police brutality and his killing was similar to that of Floyd.

The protests over the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, United States has reached across the world, where several demonstrators denouncing racism. And this protest wave has given France a demand justice for Adama Traore, who was also a victim of police brutality and his killing was similar to that of Floyd. Also read | Protesters across the US march again, demanding police reforms after Floyd killing "They died in exactly the same way," Adam's sister Assa Traore said, reported Reuters. "Adama carried the weight of three officers on his body." Also read | British street artist Banksy pays tribute to George Floyd with new artwork Adama, also a black man like Floyd, ran from the police during an argument over an identity check after he celebrated his birthday on July 19, 2016. He was nabbed after three police officers pinned him on the ground by using their combined body weight. He died as soon as the officials took him to a police station. His death triggered huge protests in France, where police's high-handed actions and racism remain unaddressed. Recently, the content of a Facebook group was leaked where police officers used sexist and racist terms and mocked victims of police brutality. Even after four years, there has not been any prosecution as medical experts still couldn't conclude whether Adama died of police actions or prevailing medical condition. The protests that have all faded have revived recently in France, sparked by the murder of Floyd. Last week, thousands in France protested throughtout the week, with chants saying "let us breathe", "no justice, no peace". "It’s a strong, powerful echo," Assa said. Adama's friends and family members are urging for support for holding nationwide protests in France. "All the light shed on the George Floyd case has served as a reminder of the numerous other victims who died in the same conditions as George Floyd," said actor Almamy Kanoute, who is a part of the campaign that demands justice for Adama. "We’re not saying the police in France are the same as in the United States. But the deadly techniques used in the United States are the same ones as in some European countries, the same ones that kill the same type of people."

Meet Adama Traore, whose death identical to George Floyd is triggering protests in France

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

French commuters and tourists braced for a fifth day of public transport chaos Monday as the government prepared to respond to widespread anger over pension reform that has sparked open-ended walkouts.

President Emmanuel Macron, Prime Minister Edouard Philippe and senior cabinet ministers met late Sunday to discuss the contentious reform, which the country's powerful labour unions claim will force many to work longer for a smaller retirement payout.

As both the government and unions vowed to stand firm, businesses started counting the costs of the strike which began last Thursday when some 800,000 people took to the streets across France in a mass rejection of plans to introduce a single, points-based pension scheme, unifying 42 existing plans.

The stoppages stranded commuters closed schools and hit tourism and Christmas retail.

Many people opted to take days off or to work from home, but thousands had no choice but to squeeze into perilously overcrowded suburban trains and metros whose numbers were slashed to a minimum.

The biggest labour unrest in years came as France's economy is already dented by more than a year of weekly anti-government demonstrations by so-called "yellow vest" activists protesting unemployment and waning spending power.

Many are opposed to Macron's plans for putting the country on a solid economic footing, of which the retirement overhaul forms a major part.

Retailers in 'jeopardy'

Business owners fear for their bottom line, with concerns over delivery of goods if the strike continues, and client numbers dwindling at the height of the Christmas shopping season.

On Thursday and Friday, strikers blocked several fuel depots around France, causing long petrol station queues as worried motorists stocked up.

The first day of the stoppage already caused an average 30 per cent drop in sales, according to the Alliance of Commerce which represents 27,000 supermarkets and clothing and shoe stores with almost 200,000 workers.

The Union of Local Enterprises warned that prolonged unrest "could be fatal for many" small businesses.

A hotel association said reservations in the larger Paris region dropped by 30-40 per cent on the first day of the strike.

But it was not only local travel that was affected. Regional and international trains, including the Thalys and Eurostar, were also hobbled by the unrest, and several flights were cancelled on the first days of the strike.

The chaos was set to continue on Monday, with the three main rail unions calling for industrial action to be stepped up ahead of another general strike and mass protests on Tuesday.

"In the coming days, we recommend avoiding public transport," said the website of the RATP train, tram, bus and metro company on which some 10 million passengers in larger Paris area rely daily to get to work.

Trains connecting the suburbs to the centre of Paris will only have a third to half of the normal number of trains running at peak hours Monday, the company said.

Ten out of the RATP's 16 metro lines will be shut, four will offer limited services, and only the two driverless lines will run as scheduled, but with a "risk of congestion" during peak hours.

All 14 metro lines that rely on drivers were closed on Sunday.

Inter-city rail operator SNCF warned of potentially "dangerous" overcrowding, with availability reduced to about 15-20 per cent.

Travel will be "extremely complicated," said SNCF spokeswoman Agnes Ogier, urging commuters to make other arrangements, including carpooling. She did not expect any improvement by Tuesday.

Two-thirds to three-quarters of high-speed international trains will run as scheduled.

The capital's main roads, meanwhile, were expected to be more congested than usual as many non-striking workers opt to drive to work.

A week of conflict likely lies ahead, with Jean-Paul Delevoye, whom Macron appointed to lead the pension reform project, set to unveil the outcome of his months-long consultations on Monday, followed by Philippe announcing the final details of the proposed reform plan on Wednesday.

French commuters and tourists braced for a fifth day of public transport chaos Monday as the government prepared to respond to widespread anger over pension reform that has sparked open-ended walkouts.

French commuters and tourists braced for a fifth day of public transport chaos Monday as the government prepared to respond to widespread anger over pension reform that has sparked open-ended walkouts. President Emmanuel Macron, Prime Minister Edouard Philippe and senior cabinet ministers met late Sunday to discuss the contentious reform, which the country's powerful labour unions claim will force many to work longer for a smaller retirement payout. As both the government and unions vowed to stand firm, businesses started counting the costs of the strike which began last Thursday when some 800,000 people took to the streets across France in a mass rejection of plans to introduce a single, points-based pension scheme, unifying 42 existing plans. The stoppages stranded commuters closed schools and hit tourism and Christmas retail. Many people opted to take days off or to work from home, but thousands had no choice but to squeeze into perilously overcrowded suburban trains and metros whose numbers were slashed to a minimum. The biggest labour unrest in years came as France's economy is already dented by more than a year of weekly anti-government demonstrations by so-called "yellow vest" activists protesting unemployment and waning spending power. Many are opposed to Macron's plans for putting the country on a solid economic footing, of which the retirement overhaul forms a major part. Retailers in 'jeopardy' Business owners fear for their bottom line, with concerns over delivery of goods if the strike continues, and client numbers dwindling at the height of the Christmas shopping season. On Thursday and Friday, strikers blocked several fuel depots around France, causing long petrol station queues as worried motorists stocked up. The first day of the stoppage already caused an average 30 per cent drop in sales, according to the Alliance of Commerce which represents 27,000 supermarkets and clothing and shoe stores with almost 200,000 workers. The Union of Local Enterprises warned that prolonged unrest "could be fatal for many" small businesses. A hotel association said reservations in the larger Paris region dropped by 30-40 per cent on the first day of the strike. But it was not only local travel that was affected. Regional and international trains, including the Thalys and Eurostar, were also hobbled by the unrest, and several flights were cancelled on the first days of the strike. The chaos was set to continue on Monday, with the three main rail unions calling for industrial action to be stepped up ahead of another general strike and mass protests on Tuesday. "In the coming days, we recommend avoiding public transport," said the website of the RATP train, tram, bus and metro company on which some 10 million passengers in larger Paris area rely daily to get to work. Trains connecting the suburbs to the centre of Paris will only have a third to half of the normal number of trains running at peak hours Monday, the company said. Ten out of the RATP's 16 metro lines will be shut, four will offer limited services, and only the two driverless lines will run as scheduled, but with a "risk of congestion" during peak hours. All 14 metro lines that rely on drivers were closed on Sunday. Inter-city rail operator SNCF warned of potentially "dangerous" overcrowding, with availability reduced to about 15-20 per cent. Travel will be "extremely complicated," said SNCF spokeswoman Agnes Ogier, urging commuters to make other arrangements, including carpooling. She did not expect any improvement by Tuesday. Two-thirds to three-quarters of high-speed international trains will run as scheduled. The capital's main roads, meanwhile, were expected to be more congested than usual as many non-striking workers opt to drive to work. A week of conflict likely lies ahead, with Jean-Paul Delevoye, whom Macron appointed to lead the pension reform project, set to unveil the outcome of his months-long consultations on Monday, followed by Philippe announcing the final details of the proposed reform plan on Wednesday.

Day 5 of public transport chaos as French strike bites

Protests against single points-based pension plan.

France Protests: Protest against pension reforms

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