Tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets in Brussels as part of a national strike over government reforms and spending cuts that have brought flights to a halt and severely disrupted public transport. Belgium's three big unions are protesting over pensions and other measures proposed by Prime Minister Bart de Wever's centre-right government aimed at addressing the budget deficit.
Brussels Airport cancelled all departures and many arrivals, while Belgium's second-largest airport, Charleroi, faced complete service stoppage. Trains continued to operate, but most buses, trams, and underground services in the capital ground to a halt.
With shipping operations at Europe’s second-largest port in Antwerp suspended due to understaffing, more than 100 ships have been left waiting in the North Sea for clearance to dock at three ports, as reported by Belgium's maritime and coastal services.
Since Bart de Wever’s appointment in February, Belgium has seen a wave of strikes. By midday, police reported roughly 80,000 protesters gathered in the streets. Public sector workers rallied against austerity policies perceived as favoring the wealthy, demanding the government reverse plans to increase the qualifying age for pensions and address cuts to benefits.
Many participants expressed their grievances, including one protester who stated, It's about time we came together. It's always the same part of the population that has to tighten their belts.
The government faces growing pressure not only at a federal level but also regionally, with additional austerity measures being implemented. Although largely peaceful, protests were marred by some incidents of vandalism and clashes with police.
Brussels Airport cancelled all departures and many arrivals, while Belgium's second-largest airport, Charleroi, faced complete service stoppage. Trains continued to operate, but most buses, trams, and underground services in the capital ground to a halt.
With shipping operations at Europe’s second-largest port in Antwerp suspended due to understaffing, more than 100 ships have been left waiting in the North Sea for clearance to dock at three ports, as reported by Belgium's maritime and coastal services.
Since Bart de Wever’s appointment in February, Belgium has seen a wave of strikes. By midday, police reported roughly 80,000 protesters gathered in the streets. Public sector workers rallied against austerity policies perceived as favoring the wealthy, demanding the government reverse plans to increase the qualifying age for pensions and address cuts to benefits.
Many participants expressed their grievances, including one protester who stated, It's about time we came together. It's always the same part of the population that has to tighten their belts.
The government faces growing pressure not only at a federal level but also regionally, with additional austerity measures being implemented. Although largely peaceful, protests were marred by some incidents of vandalism and clashes with police.
