Strikes and protests test French plan to raise retirement age

Protesters march during a demonstration against Emmanuel Macron’s pension reform plan in Marseille on Thursday March 5 2020 (Daniel Cole/AP)

French workers angry over proposed changes to retirement rules are halting high-speed trains, disrupting electricity supplies and taking to the streets in a day of nationwide strikes and protests seen as a major test for Emmanuel Macron and his presidency.

People would have to work longer before receiving a pension under the new rules – with the nominal retirement age rising from 62 to 64.