02:47France: Aftermath of huge protests in Paris amid anger over president's use of executive power
The aftermath of huge protests in Paris was seen on Thursday, following the government decision to override the National Assembly and pass its pension changes without a vote.
Footage shows large fires burning and rubbish bins overturned, with piles of garbage lying in the road.
The protests, involving thousands of people, took place around the Place de la Concorde, not far from the National Assembly itself. Media outlets reported that there had been more than 300 arrests across the country.
President Emmanuel Macron decided to use executive privilege to pass his pension reforms without a vote in the National Assembly, amid concerns that his government might not have the numbers.
The Senate passed the proposals, which increase the retirement age from 62 to 64, by 193-144.
However, the vote in the lower house, the National Assembly, was withdrawn at the last minute, with the result believed to be too close to call.
French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne then announced the triggering of Article 49.3, the special constitutional power, to pass the legislation.
Regular demonstrations and strikes against the bill have taken place in recent months, with rallies expected to intensify following the use of the executive power.
02:47The aftermath of huge protests in Paris was seen on Thursday, following the government decision to override the National Assembly and pass its pension changes without a vote.
Footage shows large fires burning and rubbish bins overturned, with piles of garbage lying in the road.
The protests, involving thousands of people, took place around the Place de la Concorde, not far from the National Assembly itself. Media outlets reported that there had been more than 300 arrests across the country.
President Emmanuel Macron decided to use executive privilege to pass his pension reforms without a vote in the National Assembly, amid concerns that his government might not have the numbers.
The Senate passed the proposals, which increase the retirement age from 62 to 64, by 193-144.
However, the vote in the lower house, the National Assembly, was withdrawn at the last minute, with the result believed to be too close to call.
French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne then announced the triggering of Article 49.3, the special constitutional power, to pass the legislation.
Regular demonstrations and strikes against the bill have taken place in recent months, with rallies expected to intensify following the use of the executive power.