France hit by another 'million march' against Macron’s pension plan

France is hit by major transport disruptions on Tuesday as nationwide protests have been held across the country second time in less than a month aimed at forcing the government to back down on a controversial pension plan.

Around one million workers are set to stage the second round of nationwide strikes against President Emmanuel Macron’s plan to increase the minimum retirement age from 62 to 64 years as part of a reform package.

The legal retirement age in France is currently 62 — lower than in many developed countries, including much of Europe and the United States. 

More than two million people marched in French cities on January 19 to decry the government's plans, which halted trains, blocked refineries and curbed power generation across the country.

French police used tear gas and batons to disperse the demonstrations, including in the capital city of Paris.

The country's leading trade unions called for a second day of strikes on January 31 in an attempt to force Macron and his government to reverse the plans.

“The unions call on all the population to mobilize itself in an even more massive way on the 31st of January, to say no to this unfair reform,” General Confederation of Labour (CGT) workers union head Philippe Martinez said at an event on Wednesday.

The industrial action across different sectors on Tuesday will bring to a halt trains and metros as well as cut electricity production. According to the leading teachers' union, around half of all nursery and primary school teachers will also go on strike.

In the capital Paris, some metro stations will be closed as the suburban rail services will be severely restricted, according to reports.

French National Railway Company (SNCF) announced that intercity travel will be heavily disrupted as only one in three high-speed trains will be at work.

The unions are hoping for the participation of over a million demonstrators in more than 200 cities across France.

ME