PARIS (NEWSnet/AP) — French unions opposed to President Emmanuel Macron’s higher retirement age rule are hosting what may be a final surge of nationwide protests and scattered strikes on the topic.

Nearly 250 marches, rallies and other actions are planned around the country Tuesday, on the 14th day of national protest since January over the pension reform. The impact has led to flight delays and disruption to train travel.

Macron’s effort to move the retirement age from 62 to 64 — including forcing measure through parliament — triggered some of France’s biggest demonstrations in years. But the rule became law in April, the last big protests were May 1, and some see Tuesday's demonstrations as a final show of opposition for the movement.

Organizers of Tuesday's protests hope to rally support ahead of a possible parliamentary debate Thursday on a bill to repeal the new retirement age.

Macron says the reform was needed to finance the pension system as the population ages. Unions and left-wing opponents say the changes hurt poorer workers and have argued for higher taxes on the wealthy and employers instead.

While Macron's centrist party doesn't have a majority in the National Assembly, it has allied with the conservative Republicans party to push back the opposition's efforts.

Copyright 2023 NEWSnet and The Associated Press. All rights reserved.