Tens of thousands of individuals have taken to the streets of Brussels in response to a significant national strike ignited by government reforms and spending cuts. The protest has led to a complete shutdown of flights and substantial disruptions across public transport systems. The strike is organized by Belgium’s three major trade unions, who are voicing opposition to initiatives by Prime Minister Bart de Wever’s center-right government aimed at reducing the budget deficit.
At Charleroi Airport, Belgium’s second largest, no flights were operational, while Brussels Airport faced a complete cancellation of departures and numerous arrivals. Although some train services continued, the majority of buses, trams, and underground trains in Brussels came to a standstill.
Significant impact on shipping and public services
Shipping operations at Antwerp, Europe’s second largest port, were halted until Wednesday due to a lack of staff. Over 100 vessels were left waiting in the North Sea for docking permissions at three separate ports, as reported by Belgium’s MDK maritime and coastal services. Since Bart de Wever assumed office in February, Belgium has endured multiple strikes, reflecting rising public discontent.
By midday, police estimated that approximately 80,000 demonstrators had congregated in the capital. Many public sector workers voiced their grievances over austerity measures and an increasingly right-leaning government. Protesters, clad in the red and green colors of the leading unions, marched through central Brussels, rallying against proposed changes that would extend the working years required for pension eligibility. There are also plans to eliminate special pension schemes for workers in certain sectors, including military and railway personnel.
“It’s about time we came together,” said Anaïs, 29. “It’s always the same part of the population that has to tighten their belts.”
Public concerns over pension reforms
Among the main issues at stake is the government’s intention to increase the retirement age from 65 to 67. This change, adopted a decade ago, remains highly unpopular, and the current administration aims to make early retirement more financially burdensome. Holding a placard with “67” crossed out, Anaïs voiced her discontent: “65 is enough. 67 is too late. We are asked to work more, to work longer hours. It’s not fair.”
Thierry Bodson of the ABVV union addressed the crowd, emphasizing that “the fight against the De Wever government is not just the fight of a day or a year – it’s for a whole generation.” He appealed to demonstrators about the importance of standing up for their rights. Vanessa, a mother of two traveling from Charleroi, expressed her fears about the potential future for her children, stating, “I’m worried about the measures that will be taken. What sort of future will my children have?”
Belgium’s complex governance structure means that regional authorities are also under pressure to implement austerity measures. In the predominantly French-speaking Walloon region, the ruling coalition has mandated that teachers in higher secondary schools increase their weekly hours by two. Many educators participated in the protests, raising concerns over job security. Sandrine, 48, an education worker, remarked, “Nothing is clear, and it’s really worrying, but if higher-level teachers have to work more, many jobs will be cut.”
While the protests were primarily peaceful, there were sporadic incidents of vandalism and arson early in the day, followed by clashes between masked individuals and police later on.