Analysis-Braving boos, Macron hopes 'cathartic' walkabouts will soothe pension anger

FILE PHOTO-French President Emmanuel Macron delivers a speech after visiting the 'Chateau de Joux' during a ceremony marking the 175th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in France, in La Cluse-et-Mijoux, near Besancon, eastern France, 27 April 2023. CHRISTOPHE PETIT-TESSON/Pool via REUTERS

PARIS (Reuters) - French President Emmanuel Macron has thrown himself into what he calls a "catharsis" operation by confronting angry voters in a series of walkabouts, an attempt to regain control of the narrative that could also expose how distant he has become.

After weeks of protests against his decision to raise the minimum pension age by two years, Macron's popularity ratings have plunged to near record-low levels, threatening to paralyse his reform agenda and turn him into a lame duck.