In Uruguay, the Senate on Thursday approved a reform that raises the retirement age from the current 60 to 65.

It was promoted by the government of President Luis Lacalle Pou and received 17 votes in favor and 11 against.

The proposal was rejected by the center-left opposition and by trade unions, which protested with a strike and a march against the initiative.

"This reform is not for the people but against the people," said one of the union leaders during this week's strike.