"France awaits court ruling on controversial pension reform plan amid ongoing protests"

France is awaiting a crucial ruling on the constitutionality of President Emmanuel Macron's proposal to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64. The decision could lead to sweeping protests and strikes across the country. If the law is approved, it will go into effect in September, and the first retirees will have to wait an additional three months for their state pensions. The Constitutional Council will also decide whether to allow a referendum on the law, called for by the opposition. Macron argues that the reforms are essential to rein in public finances.