Macron’s pensions law clears constitutional hurdle after protests

Emmanuel Macron’s plan to raise France’s retirement age cleared a final hurdle on Friday after the highest constitutional authority validated most of the draft law, marking a political victory for the president after months of protests over his unpopular reform.

Armed police officers had cordoned off a large security zone outside the constitutional council building at Palais Royal ahead of the highly anticipated verdict, while labour unions and student groups held scattered protests in Paris, Toulouse, Lyon and elsewhere.