Macron Should Stand His Ground

French President Emmanuel Macron is being criticized for pressing on with a divisive pension reform despite a lack of parliamentary support and angry protests across the country. It’s true that he’s gambled, but he’s right to persevere. Macron’s reforms are both moderate and necessary: It’s his critics who’re letting France down.

Outsiders can only marvel at the rage aroused by Macron’s proposal. Over more than a week, hundreds of thousands of protesters have taken to the streets, widespread strikes have roiled the economy, extremists have attacked police and damaged property, flights and public transit have crept to a standstill, and some gas stations have all but gone dry thanks to refinery disruptions. Trash piled up across Paris as garbage collectors walked out.