The protests against Belgium's proposed pension cuts have resulted in the cancellation of over 400 flights, disruption of public transport, and significant confrontations between demonstrators and police, highlighting growing discontent regarding government policies on social spending.
Massive Protests in Brussels Disrupt Air Travel and Public Transport
Massive Protests in Brussels Disrupt Air Travel and Public Transport
Over 60,000 protesters took to the streets of Brussels in response to proposed government pension reforms, leading to widespread travel chaos and confrontations with police.
Tens of thousands of protesters rallied in Brussels on Thursday, sparking a nationwide strike against the government's proposed pension reforms and cuts to public services. The strike paralyzed Brussels Airport, leading to the cancellation of all flights as air traffic controllers, security personnel, and baggage handlers participated in the demonstration. The airport reported that over 400 flights were affected, impacting around 60,000 travelers, as chaotic scenes unfolded in the aftermath, prompting warnings of a heavy operational backlog on Friday as passengers sought to rebook.
According to Brussels police, approximately 60,000 demonstrators filled the streets, drawing attention to the rising frustration with the government’s austerity measures. Public transport services were also deterred by the upheaval, further complicating the commute for many residents.
During the protests, a small faction engaged in violence by hurling objects at police, prompting the authorities to deploy tear gas and make several arrests. In a statement, local police condemned the violent outbreaks, stating, "We deplore these acts of violence, which have no place in a peaceful demonstration and constitute a serious threat to public order."
The demonstration comes on the heels of a newly formed coalition government in Belgium, which ended a protracted seven-month negotiation. Prime Minister Bart De Wever, leading a broad five-party coalition, has vowed to implement measures that aim to stabilize financial conditions in the face of high public dissatisfaction. One of the contentious topics is the increase in retirement age, which recently rose from 65 to 66, with plans to raise it further by 2030.
Similar scenarios of unrest can be witnessed across Europe, where countries such as France have also engaged in massive protests against changes to retirement policies. A notable example includes French Prime Minister François Bayrou's statement expressing openness to reconsidering the unpopular decision to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64.
Chris Huybrechts, president of VSOA Defense—a union representing defense sector workers in Belgium—highlighted the growing discontent among citizens. “The government won't listen to the people,” he lamented. “The working class has to pay more to get less.” The unfolding situation in Brussels underscores a pivotal moment of dissent within the European landscape, where citizens grapple with public policy changes amid economic strains.
