Prague, 29 March 2023 (dpa/MIA) - Several thousands of people in the Czech Republic joined trade union-backed demonstrations against a potential increase in the retirement age to 68.

Leaders of the demonstration accused the centre-right Czech government of "ignoring social dialogue" with the plans at a peaceful rally against the seat of government in Prague.

The government plans to present its pension reform package later this year. The proposals are expected to include new limits on automatic pension increases in light of unusually high inflation.

The possible increase in the retirement age by four years to 68 is also being considered, as the public broadcaster CT recently reported.

The proposal is the latest effort by the Czech government to close substantial budget deficits.