Czech President-elect Petr Pavel has called for flexibility in deciding on the rise in retirement age, saying that the decision should take into account the health abilities of people of various professions. Pavel made these comments while touring the Usti Region, and also emphasized the need to provide new accommodation and workplaces to the affected workers after coal mining ends in the region.

The issue of pension reform has been debated since the 1990s with no result, and the current five-party government led by Prime Minister Petr Fiala is expected to announce the parameters of the planned reform in April. The rise in retirement age is being considered due to the increasing burden on the pension system caused by population aging and rising life expectancy. Fiala has promised to enable earlier retirement for workers in demanding professions.

Pavel said that the pension system must function while taking into account the changing demographics of the population, but he stressed the importance of creating conditions that allow people who want to work until they are 70 to do so. He added that those with physically demanding jobs should have the chance to retire earlier. The rise in retirement age will affect those who will retire around 2040, and until 2030, the retirement age will gradually rise to the previously set limit of 65 for everyone.

In addition to pension reform, Pavel also discussed the need to transform coal regions such as Usti, which will require the creation of new jobs, accommodation, and services. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that people in affected areas are satisfied with their environment. Pavel’s visit to the Usti Region is his second domestic trip after the January presidential election, following his visit to the Karlovy Vary Region, West Bohemia last week.

Overall, the issue of pension reform and retirement age is a crucial one for the Czech Republic, especially as the country’s population ages. It is important to strike a balance between ensuring the sustainability of the pension system and providing people with the flexibility to retire when they feel they can no longer work. Additionally, ensuring that workers in physically demanding professions can retire earlier is also crucial to protecting their health and well-being. Finally, the transformation of coal regions such as Usti will require careful planning and coordination to ensure that the affected workers have access to the necessary resources and support to transition to new industries and environments.

Article by Prague Forum