King Charles’ France visit postponed as pension protests rage – latest news

Key Points

• King Charles postpones France trip amid pension riots
• Bordeaux city hall set on fire in protests

King Charles postpones Paris trip amid pension riots

King Charles’s state visit to France has been postponed after French president Emmanuel Macron asked the British government to do so, the British prime minister’s office said, amid widespread rioting in Paris and elsewhere over pension reforms.

“This decision was taken with the consent of all parties, after the President of France asked the British government to postpone the visit,” a Downing Street spokesperson said.

© Provided by The Independent

King’s visit to France postponed as protests continue over Macron pension reforms

Bordeaux city hall set on fire as one million join anti-Macron protests across France

The historic Bordeaux City Hall in France has been set on fire on the day of the biggest protest yet against Emmanuel Macron’s controversial attempts to push through reforms to raise the pension age.

Protesters gathered outside the Palais Rohan cheered as a part of the building went up in flames, one of a number of incidents of vandalism and violence across the country on Thursday evening after a day of largely peaceful strike action.

The largescale protests threaten the prospect of King Charles III’s visit to France – the British monarch’s trip next week was to be his first abroad after becoming king.

Thursday’s strike was the first day of national walkouts since Mr Macron pushed through a bill with his pension reforms, and upwards of one million people are reported to have taken part in protests and marches across France.

© Provided by The Independent

Bordeaux city hall set on fire as one million join anti-Macron protests across France

Police and protesters clash over pension reform

Last night saw violent clashes on the streets of cities across France, as protesters call for Emmanuel Macron to reconsider his planned raising of the pension age from 62 to 64.

Paris

© Provided by The Independent Riot police scuffle with a protester during a rally in Paris (AP)

Lyon

© Provided by The Independent Protesters run in tear gas during a demonstration in Lyon, central France (AP)

Bordeaux

© Provided by The Independent French Republican Security Corps officers hold a street as fire rages nearby (AFP/Getty)

Rennes

© Provided by The Independent A protester throws a tear gas grenade back at riot police in Rennes, western France (AFP/Getty)

Nantes

© Provided by The Independent A masked protester covers their face amid tear gas in Nantes, western France (Reuters)

Palace says King ‘looking forward’ to trip

Buckingham Palace put out the following statement: “The King and The Queen Consort’s state visit to France has been postponed.

“Their Majesties greatly look forward to the opportunity to visit France as soon as dates can be found.”

Charles and Camilla were due to travel from France to Germany for a state visit, from next Wednesday to Friday, and it is understood the visit to Berlin will proceed as planned.