Protesters smash shopfronts in central Paris over pensions reforms

Thursday marked the ninth day of protests across France, as a record turnout of protesters took to the streets to rally against Emmanuel Macron’s pensions reforms. Riot police deployed teargas in an attempt to disperse crowds in central Paris, where hundreds are protesting. Some protesters wearing masks can be seen vandalising and smashing shop windows, including fast food restaurant McDonald’s. The French president used controversial executive powers to push through the bill that will raise the pension age after receiving little parliamentary support. On Wednesday Macron defended his decision to pass the bill, fuelling further protests and violence, which is expected to continue in the coming days