France saw on Wednesday an eighth day of protests against President Emmanuel Macron’s plans to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64. Garbage piled up in Paris and rail services were cancelled, with trade unions organising a show of force. Macron's Pension overhaul neared its finale in parliament after a joint commission of French upper- and lower-house lawmakers agreed on the text of the reform, moving it closer to potential final votes. Read FRANCE 24’s live blog to see the day’s developments as they unfolded. All times are Paris time (GMT+1).