Not only in France are there protests against pension reform. In Prague, the Czech capital, more than 2,000 workers took to the streets to show their disagreement with their government’s plans. They mainly criticize the possible increase in the retirement age to 68, four years higher than in France.
“I can’t imagine that at the age of 68 I will be running around the ward taking care of the sick”says Martina Netrvalova, a nurse.
“People should retire when they can enjoy themselves. That’s why the retirement limit is so important.”– says Stanislav Gendra, mechanic.
Unions require early retirement for in-demand professions. They hope that such mobilization will cause the government to back down.
“I think that this protest, the reactions of citizens, and the surveys that are being conducted on this subject, will be one of the reasons for not raising the retirement age.”says Josef Stridola, leader of the Czech and Moravian Trade Union Confederation.
The basic part of the pension is determined in accordance with the economic capabilities of the state, taking into account life expectancy, duration and intensity of work.
“I would be very happy if such protests did not happen. I would like to see these matters resolved in discussion. If we do not, the problem will be even greater.”Stridola adds.
The unions want to negotiate with the government, or else they threaten more mass and dangerous protests across the country.
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