国际英语新闻：Violence erupts as French students protest over pension reforms

French workers at refinery, transport services, public and private firms, students and trade unions have staged several nationwide protests against the controversial retirement reforms. They vowed to intensify blockade of the country's key sectors if the government pressed ahead with its plan.

A fresh attempt of massive demonstrations is expected on Tuesday, before the French Senate's vote on the package of retirement reforms scheduled for Wednesday.

"The day of Tuesday, Oct. 19 is also important. We urge all the students to participate massively. An intensified school protest is expected if they (government officials) don't listen to us," Julianne Charton with the UNL told local private TV channel France 24.

"We have a very clear idea about this reform, contrary to what it is said. So, it was quite normal to join the protest. We are concerned for our future, our anger is legitimate," she added.

The government has said it will not budge on the pension reforms, which would raise the French people's retirement age from 60 to 62 to create financial resources enough to help the country overcome its current difficulties.

However, it also made a few compromises, such as setting lower retirement ages for several laborious or grueling jobs, and allowing people who start working before 18 to maintain right to an early retirement.