Macron stands firm on controversial pension reform amidst opposition.
French President Emmanuel Macron defended his country's pension reform and emphasized the importance of European independence from foreign powers during a televised address. The controversial reform, which raises the retirement age from 62 to 64, was signed into law amid a prolonged political and social crisis. Macron's comments echoed his earlier statements about Europe avoiding being the United States' follower. The president also announced that his government would focus on labor, law and justice, and "progress" in the coming months.