In a number of French cities, including Paris, Nantes and Rennes, clashes took place between the participants of the demonstration against the pension reforms and the police, reports the French RFI radio.

The riot police used tear gas against the protesters.

The police announced the arrest of 17 people in Paris. Riots started in the capital of France: garbage cans were set on fire, and the front parts of McDonald's restaurants were smashed.

According to the ministry of interior, more than 750,000 people took part in the protests across France, including 57,000 in Paris. Union organizers put the turnout at nearly 2 million across the country.

A third wave of nationwide strikes broke out in France on Tuesday against President Emmanuel Macron's pension reform plans.

The French government has decided to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64.

The French are currently retiring earlier than the citizens of the other OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) member countries.