Protesters march during a demonstration against pension changes in Paris. Workers in many French cities took to the streets Thursday to reject proposed pension changes.

Video. One million in the streets against pension reform in France

At least 1.1 million people protested on the streets of Paris and other French cities Thursday amid nationwide strikes against plans to raise the retirement age, but President Emmanuel Macron insisted he would press ahead with the proposed pension reforms.

At least 1.1 million people protested on the streets of Paris and other French cities Thursday amid nationwide strikes against plans to raise the retirement age, but President Emmanuel Macron insisted he would press ahead with the proposed pension reforms.

Emboldened by the high turnout, French unions announced new strikes and protests on Jan. 31, vowing to try to get the government to back down on plans to raise the standard retirement age from 62 to 64.

Macron says the measure is needed to keep the pension system financially viable, but unions say it threatens hard-fought worker rights.

Watch the video in the player above.