Workers on strike hold CGT labour union flags as they walk on railway tracks to block a TGV high speed train during a demonstration at the train station on the eve of the ninth day of national strike

In his first televised comments since ramming the legislation through, Macron described the plan that has roiled France as a necessity the people must bear.

President Emmanuel Macron will look to "calm things down" with a televised interview on Wednesday amid growing anger across France over his plans to raise the retirement age, a source close to the centrist president said.

French President Emmanuel Macron will explain how he will seek to overcome tensions prompted by his plan to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64

French President Emmanuel Macron will explain how he will seek to overcome tensions prompted by his plan to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64, as he speaks on national television for the first time since his government forced through the bill amid mass protests.

The French president says he has no regrets over pushing through the law, adding that he will organize special bonus payments and other measures to help workers.