Paris: In a day of nationwide strikes and protests seen as a major test for Emmanuel Macron and his presidency, angry French workers are blocking high-speed trains on Thursday, disrupting power supplies and taking to the streets. They are unhappy with the proposed change in retirement rules.

French workers will have to work longer before receiving a pension under the new rules, with the nominal retirement age rising from 62 to 64.

Macron's government claims that reform is the only way to maintain the financial stability of the system in a country where everyone receives a state pension and where the average age of the population is increasing.

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Unions argue that pension reform jeopardizes hard-won rights and advocate a tax on the wealthy or increased employer payroll contributions to fund the pension system. Most French people, according to polls, are against the reform.

More than 200 protests are expected across France on Thursday, including a major protest in Paris attended by representatives of all French unions.

Police unions opposing retirement reform are also participating, and those not protesting are preparing for possible violence if extremist groups appear.

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According to the SNCF rail authority, most trains in France, including some international connections, have been cancelled. Orly airport in Paris is experiencing nearly 20% cancellations, and airlines are issuing delay advisories.

According to French media reports, power workers pledged to cut power supplies as a form of protest, and about 70% of preschool and primary school teachers said they would skip work on Thursday. High school student unions may also join the demonstrations by barricading some schools.

The French government will formally introduce the pension bill in parliament on Monday. The size and length of strikes and protests will have an impact on its success.

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Macron's last attempt to raise the retirement age in 2019 was met with protracted strikes, and after the COVID-19 pandemic, he eventually withdrew it.