Thousands rally in Paris against proposed pension changes

By the CNN Wires Staff

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Police: More than 60,000 march in the streets of Paris
Protesters are against raising the national retirement age
Pres. Sarkozy backs a reform bill making changes to French pension law

Paris, France (CNN) -- Thousands of people took to the streets of Paris on Saturday to register their disapproval of planned changes to the French pension system.

Police estimated the size of the Paris throng at more than 60,000 people. Demonstrations are being held throughout France.

There have been several major rallies and strikes against the controversial bill, which raises the national retirement age from 60 to 62. Saturday's march was planned for a weekend day so that workers could bring their families with them.

The reforms have unified the opposition against French President Nicolas Sarkozy.

But Sarkozy said the changes were needed because rising life expectancy increases the financial burden on the pension system.

The bill must still pass the Senate to become law.

CNN's Niki Cook and Pierre Meilhan contributed to this report.