Here they go again. France is taking its anger with efforts by the government to reform its broke pension system right down to the wire.

Public sector workers were striking and marching, a half million said to be out on the street Tuesday.

But it was the young people who got much attention, throwing rocks, torching cars, a school, damaging a court building in Paris, Lyon, and elsewhere.

Police have responded with tear gas, force, and arrests

This is all about the government wanting to hike the minimum  retirement age in France from 60 to 62, full pension retirement from 65 to 67

While it is expected to pass, the measure is up for its final vote in France’s upper house of Parliament at the earliest Thursday. 

The big concern is that the violence will spread as it has in past disputes.  Embattled, unpopular, and tough-talking French President Sarkozy says he will deal with “trouble makers” and won’t budge on the reforms.

It is not for the unions’ lack of trying.  Their most successful tactic so far has been throwing up blockades at oil refineries, depots, and in the way of tankers.

About one fifth of French gas stations, around 2,500, are set to run out of gas today. Others boast long lines

Sarkozy’s cabinet was in an emergency session Tuesday afternoon amid indications the government will end the blockades in the coming days, with force if needed.

That’s why observers on the ground in France tell Fox confrontations should increase over the next few days. 

Change has never been easy in France