French pension reform sparks violent protests in Paris.

French President Emmanuel Macron has signed into law a bill to raise the state pension age to 64 from 62, despite months of protests against the plan. The legislation is deeply unpopular and has sparked further protests, with some turning violent. Trade unions have called on the government not to enact the legislation and urged workers to turn out in force for marches on Labour Day on May 1. Opposition parties have tabled another bid for a citizens’ referendum on the reform after the Constitutional Council rejected a first such proposal.