(Dan Tri) – More than a million protesters took to the streets across France to protest the President’s law increasing the retirement age.
Fires broke out in France during protests against pension reform (Photo: RT).
French authorities on March 23 struggled to suppress protests against President Emmanuel Macron’s pension reform.
Tens of thousands of workers went on strike and protesters blocked public transport, schools and oil refineries.
In an attempt to disperse the protests, police were forced to use tear gas, water cannons and batons.
Other videos showed barricades burning on the streets of Paris.
At least one unit of firefighters `changed sides` and joined the protesters.
Protesters set fire in Paris, France (Photo: Reuters).
On the evening of March 23, French Interior Minister Garald Darmanin confirmed that nearly 150 police officers and security forces were injured, calling this a `completely unacceptable` situation and demanding strict punishment.
Minister Darmanin also said that 172 people were detained on charges of `looting and arson` in Paris, and 190 fires broke out in the French capital.
In the energy sector, a wave of strikes occurred at one of France’s largest oil refineries.
A wave of discontent among the French people broke out after President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement that the retirement age would increase from 62 to 64, starting next year.
The Elysee Palace made the change without consulting lawmakers, while parliamentarians have been trying to resolve the controversial proposal since January. Protesters responded by calling on President Macron
President Macron instructed Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne to activate Article 49.3 of the constitution to approve a law raising the retirement age of French workers without a vote in parliament.
Appearing on television on March 22, President Macron said his only mistake was `not convincing the people` of the meaning of pension reform, but affirmed that he would not back down.
