01:55A bistro, known locally as one of President Emmanuel Macron’s favourite restaurants, was briefly set alight on Thursday, as protests against the leader’s pension reforms continued in Paris.
Footage shows the awning of the cafe ablaze, with black smoke billowing from the roof. It was later reported to have been extinguished by staff and emergency services.
Riot police with paint-splattered shields were seen outside the premises, which hosted the French president’s victory celebrations in 2017.
Protesters are shown throwing projectiles, lighting red flares and gathering around another fire in the street. Police deployed tear gas, while an elderly demonstrator with a cut to his head can also be seen sitting on the ground receiving medical attention.
It marks the 11th day of national action since the changes to retirement age were proposed at the start of the year.
Talks broke down between trade union leaders and Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne on Wednesday. The French Constitutional Council, which has the authority to annul part or the entirety of the legislation, will rule on the reform on April 14, with all sides awaiting its decision.
The demonstrations have intensified since Macron’s government bypassed a vote in the National Assembly and forced through the plan to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64 by 2030, as well as extend the required employment period for a worker to receive a full pension to 43 years.
Violent demonstrations have taken place in cities all across the country to oppose the package and the use of the executive powers, with heavy clashes between protesters and police, drawing concerns from the Council of Europe’s human rights commissioner.
Macron is currently in China for talks with President Xi Jinping and the European Commission’s Ursula von der Leyen. He has argued that the retirement changes are necessary to ensure the system is sustainable going forward.
France: La Rotonde bistro favoured by Macron set alight in Paris during protests against retirement changes
A bistro, known locally as one of President Emmanuel Macron’s favourite restaurants, was briefly set alight on Thursday, as protests against the leader’s pension reforms continued in Paris.
Footage shows the awning of the cafe ablaze, with black smoke billowing from the roof. It was later reported to have been extinguished by staff and emergency services.
Riot police with paint-splattered shields were seen outside the premises, which hosted the French president’s victory celebrations in 2017.
Protesters are shown throwing projectiles, lighting red flares and gathering around another fire in the street. Police deployed tear gas, while an elderly demonstrator with a cut to his head can also be seen sitting on the ground receiving medical attention.
It marks the 11th day of national action since the changes to retirement age were proposed at the start of the year.
Talks broke down between trade union leaders and Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne on Wednesday. The French Constitutional Council, which has the authority to annul part or the entirety of the legislation, will rule on the reform on April 14, with all sides awaiting its decision.
The demonstrations have intensified since Macron’s government bypassed a vote in the National Assembly and forced through the plan to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64 by 2030, as well as extend the required employment period for a worker to receive a full pension to 43 years.
Violent demonstrations have taken place in cities all across the country to oppose the package and the use of the executive powers, with heavy clashes between protesters and police, drawing concerns from the Council of Europe’s human rights commissioner.
Macron is currently in China for talks with President Xi Jinping and the European Commission’s Ursula von der Leyen. He has argued that the retirement changes are necessary to ensure the system is sustainable going forward.
A bistro, known locally as one of President Emmanuel Macron’s favourite restaurants, was briefly set alight on Thursday, as protests against the leader’s pension reforms continued in Paris.
Footage shows the awning of the cafe ablaze, with black smoke billowing from the roof. It was later reported to have been extinguished by staff and emergency services.
Riot police with paint-splattered shields were seen outside the premises, which hosted the French president’s victory celebrations in 2017.
Protesters are shown throwing projectiles, lighting red flares and gathering around another fire in the street. Police deployed tear gas, while an elderly demonstrator with a cut to his head can also be seen sitting on the ground receiving medical attention.
It marks the 11th day of national action since the changes to retirement age were proposed at the start of the year.
Talks broke down between trade union leaders and Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne on Wednesday. The French Constitutional Council, which has the authority to annul part or the entirety of the legislation, will rule on the reform on April 14, with all sides awaiting its decision.
The demonstrations have intensified since Macron’s government bypassed a vote in the National Assembly and forced through the plan to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64 by 2030, as well as extend the required employment period for a worker to receive a full pension to 43 years.
Violent demonstrations have taken place in cities all across the country to oppose the package and the use of the executive powers, with heavy clashes between protesters and police, drawing concerns from the Council of Europe’s human rights commissioner.
Macron is currently in China for talks with President Xi Jinping and the European Commission’s Ursula von der Leyen. He has argued that the retirement changes are necessary to ensure the system is sustainable going forward.