Social Democrat backing sought for pension reform proposals

Representatives from the three parties also said that they wanted to involve the left-wing Social Democrats in an agreement over future reform of the Czech pension system. A proposal to reform the current system, which is in danger of collapse because of a shrinking base of working people and growing number of claimants, has been tabled by a special commission. The main proposals count on cutting pension payments from 28 to 23 percent of average gross wages. Some of the difference would be made up by individuals contracting their own pension insurance with the backing of state incentives. The pension age would also be increased. Representatives of the three parties also agreed on creating a corps of anti-corruption officials and either anti-corruption courts or juries.