French President Macron Signs Controversial Pension Law Amid Ongoing Protests

French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the nation in a live TV speech, acknowledging the anger of the French over his widely unpopular pension reform, which he signed into law on Saturday. Macron said he regretted that no consensus had been found on the change, but insisted that the changes were needed to guarantee everyone's pension. The left and unions have vowed not to give in and have warned of mass protests on the May 1 Labour Day. Macron's own personal popularity ratings have eroded, with some analysts suggesting he has given a head-start to far-right leader Marine Le Pen in the long path to 2027 elections.