VIDEO | Demonstrators set fire to the city hall in Bordeaux

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Bordeaux city hall has been set on fire as French protests continue over plans to raise the retirement age. More than a million people took to the streets across France on Thursday, including 119.000 in Paris, according to Interior Ministry figures, reports "BBC".

Police fired tear gas at protesters in the capital, and 80 people were arrested across the country. The demonstrations were sparked by legislation raising the retirement age by two years to 64.

Unions have called for further protests next Tuesday, which will coincide with King Charles III's state visit to the country. That day should be in the southwestern city of Bordeaux, where a fire engulfed the front door of the city hall on Thursday night after a day of protests and clashes.

It is unclear who was responsible for the fire, which was quickly extinguished by firefighters.

Home Affairs Minister Gerald Darmanin sought to allay any concerns ahead of the king's trip, saying security was "no problem" and the monarch would be "welcome and well received".

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