Tens of thousands protest in Brussels, leading to the cancellation of over 400 flights and significant public transport disruptions due to proposed government reforms.
**Brussels Protests Cause Airport Shutdown and Public Transit Delays**
**Brussels Protests Cause Airport Shutdown and Public Transit Delays**
Thousands Take to Streets Against Pension Reforms and Social Spending Cuts
Tens of thousands of demonstrators flooded the streets of Brussels on Thursday, voicing strong opposition against the government’s proposed pension reforms and cuts to public services. The protest, part of a nationwide strike, resulted in a complete halt of air traffic at Brussels Airport, affecting more than 60,000 passengers and leading to the cancellation of over 400 flights.
The strike included participation from air traffic controllers as well as external security personnel and baggage handlers, leading airport officials to announce that no flights would depart or arrive through Brussels Airport. Travelers were advised that Friday would likely see an influx of people rebooking their travel plans due to the disruptions.
According to local police, approximately 60,000 protesters gathered, while the division between demonstrators and law enforcement escalated in some areas. A small group of protesters clashed with police, throwing objects such as plastic barriers and bolts, prompting authorities to deploy tear gas and make several arrests. Police condemned these violent acts as detrimental to the peaceful nature of the demonstration.
The protests followed a political agreement made last month that allowed Belgium to form a coalition government after a lengthy seven-month negotiation period concerning unpopular social spending cuts. The newly appointed Prime Minister Bart De Wever, leader of a conservative party, pledged to tackle the nation’s financial issues while introducing stricter immigration policies.
Belgium, similar to many European nations, grapples with a rapidly aging population and the associated rising costs of pensions. The government recently raised the retirement age from 65 to 66, with a projected increase to 67 by 2030 for those born in 1960 or later, albeit with certain exceptions.
The discontent expressed by workers was echoed by Chris Huybrechts, president of the VSOA Defense union, who criticized the government’s alleged indifference to the working-class community. “The government won’t listen to the people,” he stated. “The working class has to pay more to get less.”
As these protests resonate with similar sentiments seen across Europe, citizens continue to seek reassurance and representation from their governments amidst looming changes to social policies.
The strike included participation from air traffic controllers as well as external security personnel and baggage handlers, leading airport officials to announce that no flights would depart or arrive through Brussels Airport. Travelers were advised that Friday would likely see an influx of people rebooking their travel plans due to the disruptions.
According to local police, approximately 60,000 protesters gathered, while the division between demonstrators and law enforcement escalated in some areas. A small group of protesters clashed with police, throwing objects such as plastic barriers and bolts, prompting authorities to deploy tear gas and make several arrests. Police condemned these violent acts as detrimental to the peaceful nature of the demonstration.
The protests followed a political agreement made last month that allowed Belgium to form a coalition government after a lengthy seven-month negotiation period concerning unpopular social spending cuts. The newly appointed Prime Minister Bart De Wever, leader of a conservative party, pledged to tackle the nation’s financial issues while introducing stricter immigration policies.
Belgium, similar to many European nations, grapples with a rapidly aging population and the associated rising costs of pensions. The government recently raised the retirement age from 65 to 66, with a projected increase to 67 by 2030 for those born in 1960 or later, albeit with certain exceptions.
The discontent expressed by workers was echoed by Chris Huybrechts, president of the VSOA Defense union, who criticized the government’s alleged indifference to the working-class community. “The government won’t listen to the people,” he stated. “The working class has to pay more to get less.”
As these protests resonate with similar sentiments seen across Europe, citizens continue to seek reassurance and representation from their governments amidst looming changes to social policies.
