In brief
Brussels faced significant disruption as over 60,000 demonstrators protested proposed cuts to public services and pension reforms, resulting in flight cancellations and delays in public transport.
Tens of thousands of anti-government protestors took to the streets of Brussels on Thursday, raising their voices against the government’s proposed pension reforms and reductions in public services during a nationwide strike. Notably, Brussels Airport reported a complete halt in all flight operations, with over 400 flights canceled and affecting around 60,000 passengers.The city's police estimated that approximately 60,000 people participated in the protests, severely disrupting public transport as well. Tensions escalated during the demonstration, with a small faction throwing objects at police officers, prompting authorities to deploy tear gas and leading to several arrests. In an official statement, the local police condemned the violent behavior, emphasizing that it undermines the spirit of peaceful protest and poses a significant threat to public order.Following complex negotiations that lasted seven months, Belgium recently formed a coalition government, with Bart De Wever taking office as Prime Minister. The leader of a conservative Flemish nationalist party, De Wever's administration faces pressure to stabilize the nation’s budget amid increasing pension costs due to an aging population. The retirement age was raised from 65 to 66 last month, with further increases projected in the coming years.As seen in other European nations, protests have erupted in response to these austerity measures. In France, similar protests erupted following a rise in the retirement age to 64. Chris Huybrechts, head of VSOA Defense—a Belgian union advocating for defense industry workers—voiced widespread discontent, stating, “The government won’t listen to the people. The working class has to pay more to get less.”
