Pavel to sign pension reform if approved by Senate

President Petr Pavel told Czech TV he would sign the pension reform bill if it passes the Senate. Approved by the Chamber of Deputies, the controversial reform gradually raises the retirement age to 67. While the coalition argues the reform will secure funds for future pensions and reduce deficits, opposition parties ANO and SPD vow to repeal many changes if they gain power. The bill includes a phased reduction in the earnings factor for calculating pensions between 2026 and 2035, and allows earlier retirement only for select high-risk workers. Senate review is the next step, with the coalition holding a majority.