Macron Doubles Down on Plans to Reform Pensions

French President Emmanuel Macron remains defiant amid protests over his decision to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64. Despite surviving no-confidence votes, Macron faces public discontent and is seeking ways to appease workers. Protests led by unions have not significantly swayed public or government opinion. The garbage collection issue in Paris, exacerbated by strikes, poses a challenge ahead of King Charles III's state visit. The unions aim to maintain control over the protests, avoiding the violence seen in the 2019 Yellow Vest movement.

What are the unions hoping to achieve with the upcoming protests?

How do the protests relate to the historical context of the yellow vest movement in France?