France in Turmoil: Protests Continue Over Macron's Pension Reform

Nationwide protests are taking place in France after President Emmanuel Macron refused to back down on a controversial pension reform that raises the retirement age by two years to 64. Labour unions have called for a ninth nationwide day of action, with train traffic and airports affected, and teachers among many professions walking off the job. Most protests have been peaceful, but anger has mounted since the government pushed the bill through parliament without a vote last week. The latest wave of protests represents the most serious challenge to the president's authority since the "Yellow Vest" revolt four years ago.