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Macron does not withdraw from the pension reform, protests and strikes continue in France

Macron does not withdraw from the pension reform, protests and strikes continue

Strikes and protests continue in France as President Emmanuel Macron vows to press ahead with his pension reform plan despite escalating anger across the country.

The bill that raises the retirement age from 62 to 64 has caused many people to go on a rampage, destroying everything in their path.

Labor unions said Thursday's ninth day of nationwide action will draw large crowds against what they describe as "contempt" and "lies" by President Macron.

Macron drew the ire of unions and opposition parties on Wednesday when he rejected their calls for him to heed demands not to go ahead with the plan.

"The best answer we can give to the president is that there are millions of people on strike and in the streets," said union leader Philippe Martinez.

Most of the protests have been peaceful, but anger has grown since the government pushed the bill through Parliament without a vote last week.

Macron said the new law was necessary and would come into effect later this year. He is convinced that the reform is necessary in order for the pension system to remain functional.

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