Violence erupts in France over pension reforms

Violence erupted between police and demonstrators in France Tuesday in response to the country's retirement reforms.

Nearly 270 marches were staged across France Tuesday in support of the anti-reform movement as the controversial bill is set for final legislative passage by the end of the week.

Cars were burned or damaged during disputes between protestors and police. Hundreds of young people were arrested, Xinhau News Agency said.

"The reform is essential, and France is committed to it and will go ahead with it," President Nicolas Sarkozy told Time.

379 secondary schools were disrupted as hundreds of students walked out to show their refusal to support the rise in retirement age.