Macron delays state visit by King Charles as massive demonstrations continue

Continuing unrest across France and calls for a new round of demonstrations against President Emmanuel Macron’s pension plan persuaded officials to postpone a planned state visit next week by King Charles.

Charles had been scheduled to arrive in France on Sunday to celebrate France and Britain’s renewed friendship. But the protests and strikes against Mr. Macron’s decision to raise France’s retirement age from 62 to 64 promised to impact his visit, with workers refusing to roll out the red carpet for the King’s arrival.

Violence peaked during Thursday’s ninth union-organized nationwide marches. Over 450 protesters were arrested in Paris and beyond as demonstrations nationwide drew more than a million people.

There were scattered protest actions on Friday. Train traffic was slowed, rows of trucks blocked access to Marseille’s port for several hours and debris littered the streets of Paris.

Mr. Macron has made the proposed pension changes the priority of his second term, arguing they are needed to keep the pension system from diving into deficit as France, like many richer nations, faces lower birth rates and longer life expectancy.

Mr. Macron’s plan would provide that the French must work 43 years to earn a full pension, or wait until they turn 67, as the law now calls for. Opponents have proposed other solutions, including higher taxes on the wealthy or companies. The government forced the bill through parliament last week, using a constitutional power, and the text is being reviewed by France’s Constitutional Council.

Charles and Queen Consort Camilla planned to visit both France and Germany during the King’s first trip abroad as monarch. He still plans to go to Germany.

Charles had been scheduled to visit Bordeaux on Tuesday, coinciding with the 10th round of nationwide strikes and protests since January. The heavy wooden door of the elegant Bordeaux City Hall was destroyed by fire Thursday night by people taking part in an unauthorized demonstration.