Macron faces backlash over controversial pension reform.

French President Emmanuel Macron defended his controversial pension reform in a televised address on Monday, insisting that raising the retirement age from 62 to 64 was necessary to keep the country's pension system from collapsing. Trade unions, who have been leading protests against the reform, have, however, vowed to continue their efforts. Macron promised government action plan in the next 100 days, including negotiations about "key issues" like improving employees' income, pushing professional careers forward, better sharing wealth and improving working conditions, including for older workers. Opponents dismissed his latest attempt to ease tensions and warned of mass Labor Day protests on May 1.