Panamanians protest pension reform

PANAMA CITY, Panama, May 26 (UPI) -- Protests continued Thursday in Panama against the government's plans to reform its pension programs.

Demonstrators and police have clashed in the capital since Monday over the pension issue. Police fired tear gas at protestors who were hurling bottles and rocks, La Prensa newspaper reported.

The government wants to reform Panama's pension program, including an increase in the retirement age, a move protesters adamantly oppose.

The pension reform bill is currently being debated in the Panamanian Congress.