Macron defies protests to raise retirement age in France

French President Emmanuel Macron has invoked a special constitutional power to impose a highly unpopular bill raising the retirement age from 62 to 64, bypassing parliament and risking quick motions of no-confidence in his government. The proposed pension changes have prompted major strikes and protests across the country since January. Macron argued the reform is needed to keep the pension system from diving into deficit as France's population ages and life expectancy lengthens. The move has been met with fury from opposition lawmakers and union leaders, who have called for more strikes and protests.