Le Pen demands that the French PM step down

The French right-wing National Rally party has announced plans to file a no-confidence motion against the government after President Emmanuel Macron opted to push through controversial pension reform without a parliamentary vote. The reform, which would see France change its retirement age to 64 from 62 and require workers to contribute to the system for 43 years before receiving a full pension, has proven deeply unpopular and has triggered weeks of protests and strikes across the country. The legislation passed the French upper house on Thursday, but the government opted to trigger a constitutional procedure which enables the passing of legislation without a vote. The move automatically grants the opposition the right to call a confidence vote, and risks further inflaming tensions after weeks of public protest. Macron had campaigned heavily on introducing pension reform ahead of the polls last April, arguing that changes would make the country's economy more competitive.

However, protests ramped up ahead of the final votes on the planned changes, with refuse collectors going on strike in Paris and some rail services being canceled. It was estimated that around 500,000 protested against the bill across France on Wednesday.