Strikes coordinated by French unions brought significant disruption to the country on Thursday as they protested against government plans to revamp the pension system and tested president Emmanuel Macron's ability to resist street pressure.
Workers in sectors including railways, schools and energy took part in the 24-hour strike against Macron's plan to raise France's minimum retirement age to 64 from 62. Unions led marches across France's largest cities with the backing of left-wing political parties.