Massive protests have engulfed the nation for the second time as residents strike against President Macron’s plans to raise the national retirement age

 
Macron is hoping to raise the age of retirement from 62 to 64.

The anti-government demonstrators are getting louder and becoming more aggressive.

The number of people taking part is now expected to surpass the 1.1 million recorded just 12 days ago.

Eight key unions are leading the strike – disrupting schools, public transport and even oil refineries.

It remains unclear whether the protesters can force Macron to back down.

The government is well equipped to deal with demonstrations like this.

Macron’s government is pushing ahead in the face of opinion polls which suggest two-thirds of voters are opposed to the changes.