Nationwide Protests in France Challenge Macron's Pension Reform

French President Emmanuel Macron's government faces several motions of no confidence in the National Assembly after passing a deeply unpopular pensions reform bill. Protests erupted in major cities over the weekend, and industrial action is expected to disrupt public transport, refineries, universities, and waste collection this week. The French president's second mandate hinges on the success of the pensions reform, which would increase the legal age of retirement to 64 from 62 and extend contributions for a full pension. If the government survives the no confidence votes, it will still face a wave of protests and the risk of more social unrest.