<Anchor>
In France, large-scale protests were held against pension reforms, such as raising the pension age by two years.
Eight large trade unions went on a general strike, halting public transport and closing some schools.
Kwak Sang-eun, a correspondent from Paris, delivered the news.
<Reporter>
Workers who staged a one-day strike yesterday (19th) and protested against the government's pension reform bill filled a square in downtown Paris.
This strike is the first strike in 12 years by eight large trade unions in France.
As you can see, various unions and workers from various occupations participated in the protest.
[Guandal/Participant in protest against 'pension reform': (The government pension reform plan) is to make workers work longer in exchange for increasing competitiveness by reducing the tax burden of companies.]
Most of the subways, trains, and buses stopped .
, Some flights were also canceled.
Teachers went on strike and some schools were closed.
It is known that up to 800,000 people participated in rallies against pension reform in more than 200 regions in France.
[Philippe/CGT Union Secretary-General: If the government ignores the voices of workers and citizens, we will take the next step.]
The French government last week extended the retirement age from 62 to 64 by 2030, and also increased the pension eligibility age. A pension reform bill has been announced that delays that much.
He emphasized the need for reform, saying that if the system is not modified now, the pension budget deficit could grow to 18 trillion won by 2030.
However, labor unions are expected to struggle in the process of discussing the National Assembly as the union has revealed its policy of strong struggle and even public opinion is negative.
(Video coverage: Shim Na-yeon)