Protesters opposing President Emmanuel Macron’s unpopular plan to raise the retirement age to 64 marched Thursday in cities and towns around France, in a final show of anger before a decision on whether the measure meets constitutional standards.

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France has been witnessing large-scale protests and clashes with police in recent days as people take to the streets to voice their opposition to President Emmanuel Macron’s proposed pension reform plan. The plan, which aims to simplify the country’s complicated and costly pension system, has been a source of contention for months and has sparked widespread public anger.

Protesters, including trade unions, students, and other members of the public, have been staging demonstrations across the country, calling on Macron to abandon his plan. The proposed reform, which would raise the retirement age, eliminate the current system of special pensions, and introduce a point-based system, has been met with resistance, with many claiming that it would lead to a decrease in pensions and an unfair burden on workers.

The protests have been particularly intense in Paris, where clashes between the police and protesters have led to the use of tear gas and water cannons. In early December, a massive general strike brought the country to a standstill, with transport and public services severely impacted.

The pension reform plan also faces opposition from many sectors of society, including doctors, the judiciary, and the arts community. In December, the Paris Opera and other cultural institutions were shut down in solidarity with the protests. Students, many of whom fear that the reform could force them to work for longer periods before they can retire, have also been active in the demonstrations.

The Macron government, however, has remained firm on its stance, saying that the proposed pension reform is necessary to boost the country’s sluggish economy and ensure the sustainability of the pension system in the face of an aging population. The president has warned that the current pension system is unsustainable and costly and has called for a “universal system” that treats all workers equally.

Meanwhile, trade unions have vowed to continue their campaign against the reform, arguing that it would harm the most vulnerable and deprive the working class of the benefits they have been entitled to over the years. The unions have called for another major strike on January 9, just two days before the crucial vote in the parliament.

The current protests and clashes with police ahead of this important vote exemplify the deep-seated concerns and frustrations of everyday people in France. The proposed reform has stirred up strong emotions and exposed deep divisions in society, with many feeling that the government is trying to impose a system that is unfair and unjust.

In the end, the fate of the pension reform plan will depend on the outcome of the vote in parliament. However, the protests and public outrage have made it clear that the issue will not be easily resolved, and that the Macron government will have to remain responsive to the concerns of citizens and engage in a meaningful dialogue to find a solution that is fair and equitable for all.