Violent protests and strikes across France amid anger over Macron pension reforms

Burning piles of rubbish threaten to overshadow King’s first official royal visit

Protesters angry with president Emmanuel Macron and his plan to raise the pension age clashed with police across France on Thursday as demonstrations and strikes threaten to overshadow King Charles’ official visit this weekend.

In central Paris, police used tear gas after protesters threw projectiles and set fire to uncollected rubbish piled high in the streets. A McDonald’s restaurant was also ransacked.

Small groups of “Black Bloc” anarchists were seen among the protesters. Unions fear that protests could turn more violent if there continues to be no political response from the government.