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A recent survey reveals a widespread lack of confidence among Czech citizens in the state’s ability to adequately provide for retirees, even as the government implements pension reforms.
More than 70% of respondents agree that individuals should proactively save for retirement independently, rather than relying solely on state pensions. This sentiment is remarkably consistent across all age groups, with nearly 80% agreement among those aged 18-26 and 66-99.
The survey also indicates a prevailing skepticism regarding the long-term sustainability of the pension system and whether state pensions will be sufficient to maintain a comfortable standard of living in retirement.
These findings are based on a representative survey conducted by Ipsos between November 26 and December 1, encompassing over 1,000 respondents, and are exclusively published by Seznam Zprávy as part of its “How Life is in the Czech Republic” series.
The data can be explored interactively, allowing for comparisons between responses from men and women, and across different age demographics:
“People generally feel the pension system is unsustainable and lack faith in the state to provide for them, particularly younger generations, but this extends beyond them,” says Michal Kormaňák, an analyst at Ipsos.
Kormaňák also highlighted that the research reveals a strong political dimension to opinions on the pension system, with greater support for the changes among voters who supported the outgoing governing coalition – specifically, those who voted for Spolu, Mayors and Independents, and Pirates.
Only 33% of respondents expressed support for the government’s recently adopted pension reform, according to the survey. “Wishes are often contradictory. We know this from many studies. It’s typical when I tested state austerity measures. People said the state had to save, but they disagreed with any specific measure. They always felt it would affect them. The state should never save at your expense,” Kormaňák explained.
The data can be explored interactively, allowing for comparisons between responses from men and women, and across different age demographics:
A majority – 63% of respondents – believe the current pension system is unsustainable. This sentiment is particularly strong among those aged 27 to 35, with three out of four agreeing with the statement. Those aged 54 to 65, nearing retirement age, are less convinced, though still a majority at 54.5%.
Conversely, 67% of respondents stated they do not expect to rely on state pensions in retirement, with 76% of those aged 18-26 expressing this sentiment.
Petr Brabec, an expert on pension systems at the Faculty of National Economy of the University of Economics, argues that the perception of the system being unsustainable is often a distortion and simplification. “The system is sustainable, of course. But it has two possibilities. Either more money will be found for it – perhaps 2 percentage points more of gross domestic product in the long term. And if the money isn’t found, pensions will be reduced,” Brabec explained.
The data can be explored interactively, allowing for comparisons between responses from men and women, and across different age demographics:
“Even if the system doesn’t change at all, just gets cut to avoid a deficit, pensions will be higher than current pensioners’ pensions, you’ll buy more with it, but not as much as you were used to from your salary. And that will annoy people,” the pension systems expert said. This suggests a potentially larger drop in income between employment and retirement than is currently experienced.
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Pavel Rusý, a mathematician and statistician who frequently comments on pension reform attempts, suggests that declining trust in the system is also due to politicians failing to offer rational solutions.
According to Rusý, the problem stems from a double burden placed on people who raise children and are economically active. “They invest both in contributions for their ancestors and in the new generation, and thus find themselves in an economically incomparable position to those who are childless. And by childless, I mean people who are not currently caring for children, both future and retired parents. They are economically extremely advantaged. And that’s a problem that isn’t being addressed,” Rusý stated.
Incoming Government Promises Partial Reversal
The incoming government led by Andrej Babiš (ANO) has outlined several key adjustments to the existing pension reform in its program. Specifically, it intends to reinstate a retirement age cap of 65, rather than the previously planned gradual increase to 67.
“Capping the retirement age at 65. It’s time to give people certainty and allow them the well-deserved rest after years of honest work,” Aleš Juchelka, a candidate for Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, posted on X.
Juchelka also emphasized pension valorization that would consider both inflation and half of real wage growth, compared to the current one-third valorization of real wages.
The incoming government’s program also promises to develop a voluntary pillar, enabling individuals to save for retirement from a young age.
Pension Reform of the Petr Fiala Government
The reform, recently confirmed by the court, includes several significant measures, including:
- a gradual increase in the retirement age from 30 years to a limit of 67 (an increase of one month per year),
- lower calculation of newly awarded pensions,
- a minimum pension of one-fifth of the average wage,
- discounts on contributions for working pensioners,
- joint pensions for spouses and partners,
- an extension of the entitlement to widow’s/widower’s pensions.
Photo: Seznam Zprávy
Series Seznam Zpráv.
