Retirement Age Protests Spread from France to Other Countries.

France is in turmoil over President Emmanuel Macron's move to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64. The protests offer some insight into how the French view work and life. Raising the retirement age has been widely unpopular since the measure was put forward in January. Macron used a constitutional power to force through the change without a vote. The fierce opposition to the idea is in part thanks to France's work culture; one that places a heavy emphasis on quality of life, work-life balance, and a comfortable retirement.