UPDATE - Tensions grow in Paris protests against pension reform plan

CHANGES DECK, EDITS THROUGHOUT

By Nur Asena Erturk

ANKARA (AA) - Tensions rose Tuesday in Paris during protests against the government's pension reform plan.

Nationwide demonstrations began in the capital and other cities for the sixth time since January with thousands rejecting the plan which triggered public outrage when it was announced last year.

While protests ended in some cities such as Nice, Paris is the main site for demonstrations. Protesters gathered and started to march late in the day.

Tensions are running high in Paris from time to time, as street furniture and shop glasses were broken and police used tear gas on violent groups, according to an Anadolu correspondent.

Police officers geared up to intervene in case protests turn more violent.

The number arrested for vandalism rose to 22, broadcaster BFMTV reported, adding the cortege arrived at the Place d'Italie square, where protesters began to chant and dance.

The CGT union said 700,000 people attended the protests in Paris, while the police counted 81,000, it added.

The reform plans include raising the retirement age from 62 to 64 in 2030 and requiring at least 43 years of work to be eligible for full pensions.

*Umit Donmez in Paris contributed to this story.