Protests continue in France; British King Charles’s visit postponed

Protesters angry at French President Emmanuel Macron’s pension reforms continued with scattered actions on March 24, as the unrest across the country led officials to postpone a planned state visit by Britain’s King Charles III.

Protesters angry at French President Emmanuel Macron's pension reforms continued with scattered actions on March 24, as the unrest across the country led officials to postpone a planned state visit by Britain's King Charles III.

Although no major protests were planned on Friday, train traffic was slowed, rows of trucks blocked access to Marseille's commercial port and debris still littered the Paris streets following the previous day's mass demonstrations.

Over 450 protesters were arrested in Paris and beyond on Thursday as some 300 demonstrations drew more than a million people nationwide to protest against unpopular pension reforms.

Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said Friday that some 441 police and gendarmes were injured as violence marred some marches.

He added that 1,000 trash bins were set on fire in the French capital during the previous day’s action. Amid weeks-long refuse collectors strike, trash bins have become a symbol of the protest.

Mr. Macron’s office announced that a state visit by the British King was postponed. He had been scheduled to arrive in France on Sunday on his first state visit as monarch, before heading to Germany on Wednesday. The German part of the trip was still going ahead.

Polls say most French oppose Mr. Macron’s bill to increase the retirement age from 62 to 64, which he says is necessary to keep the system afloat.