French Retirement Age Increase Sparks Fiery Protests and Political Turmoil

Riots erupted in France as protesters demonstrated against President Emmanuel Macron's attempt to raise the retirement pension age from 62 to 64 years old without going through the national assembly. Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne invoked a special constitutional power to avoid having the lower assembly vote on the pension reform bill. The bill had passed in the upper house but was not assured in the assembly. Lawmakers in the lower chamber have filed votes of no-confidence that are expected to be voted on next week.