Strategy report considers abolishment of retirement age

The government's Economic Growth Strategy paper, drafted by a team of experts led by the Deputy Prime Minister for the Economy Martin Jahn, has suggested the Czech Republic could abolish its forced retirement age, allowing people to retire according to their own will and projected pensions. In 2015, there should be seven percent fewer people in productive age than present. The Czech population is aging and many analysts say the current system of funding pensions cannot be upheld.

According to the strategy paper, early retirement conditions could be toughened. Half of all of those currently unemployed are aged between 55 and 64 and the current system does not motivate them to look for jobs. In addition, it is difficult for the older people to find work. The report recommends that the state should therefore concentrate on the education of people over 45 as motivation to remain in the work force.