Police use tear gas as thousands march in Nantes against pension reform

Thousands took to the streets in western French city of Nantes on Tuesday during a second round of nationwide protests against the government's proposed pension reform plan. The Nantes march saw some minor scuffles as police deployed tear gas on some disorderly demonstrators. Organizers had wanted to match the 800,000 who participated in a first day of protest last Thursday. But the union leaders acknowledged the crowds were smaller.

Nevertheless, the unions showed no sign of backing down in a battle of political will in the run-up to Christmas that could make or break Macron's presidency. Tuesday's demonstrations come ahead of a critical announcement by Prime Minister Philippe on Wednesday detailing the government's reform plan.