Several thousand people joined trade union-backed protests in the Czech Republic on Wednesday against a possible increase in the retirement age to 68.

Demonstration in PraguePhoto: Říhová Michaela / ČTK / Profimedia

Demonstrator leaders accused the center-right executive of “ignoring social dialogue” over the plan during a peaceful rally outside government headquarters in Prague, DPA and Agerpres reported.

This year, the government intends to present a pension reform package. The proposals are expected to include new limits on automatic pension increases in the face of extremely high inflation.

A possible increase in the retirement age by four years, up to 68 years, is also being considered, the Public Channel of KT recently reported.

The plan is the latest attempt by the Czech government to reduce significant budget deficits.