Amid escalating tensions over government pension reforms, tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets of Brussels, leading to widespread flight cancellations and significant public transit disruptions.
Tens of Thousands Protest in Brussels, Grounding Over 400 Flights Amid Controversial Pension Reforms
Tens of Thousands Protest in Brussels, Grounding Over 400 Flights Amid Controversial Pension Reforms
Massive demonstrations disrupt travel and public services in response to proposed government cuts in Belgium.
In a significant display of dissent, approximately 60,000 demonstrators gathered in Brussels on Thursday to voice their opposition against proposed cuts to public services, which include controversial changes to pension systems. The protests resulted in all flights being canceled at Brussels Airport, affecting more than 60,000 passengers and stalling travel plans across Europe.
As the demonstrators made their presence felt filling the streets, clashes with police broke out. Authorities utilized tear gas in response to a small segment of the crowd that threw projectiles, including traffic barriers and bolts. Local police condemned these violent actions, emphasizing that they detract from the peaceful essence intended in the demonstration.
The protests stem from discontent with the new coalition government, promoted by Prime Minister Bart De Wever, which recently formed after lengthy negotiations. With an increasing retirement age and stringent measures on migration being part of the proposed changes, public anger has surged. The recent increase in retirement age from 65 to 66, with plans to raise it further to 67 by 2030, has mirrored similar protests seen in countries like France where the government faces fierce backlash over similar policies.
Union leaders, including Chris Huybrechts from the VSOA Defense union, have highlighted the frustration among workers, asserting that the government’s current policies disproportionately burden the working class while offering diminishing returns. As discussions continue regarding budget limitations and service cutbacks, the public's response remains increasingly volatile, underscoring a yearning for changes in governance that genuinely reflect the needs of the populace.
As the demonstrators made their presence felt filling the streets, clashes with police broke out. Authorities utilized tear gas in response to a small segment of the crowd that threw projectiles, including traffic barriers and bolts. Local police condemned these violent actions, emphasizing that they detract from the peaceful essence intended in the demonstration.
The protests stem from discontent with the new coalition government, promoted by Prime Minister Bart De Wever, which recently formed after lengthy negotiations. With an increasing retirement age and stringent measures on migration being part of the proposed changes, public anger has surged. The recent increase in retirement age from 65 to 66, with plans to raise it further to 67 by 2030, has mirrored similar protests seen in countries like France where the government faces fierce backlash over similar policies.
Union leaders, including Chris Huybrechts from the VSOA Defense union, have highlighted the frustration among workers, asserting that the government’s current policies disproportionately burden the working class while offering diminishing returns. As discussions continue regarding budget limitations and service cutbacks, the public's response remains increasingly volatile, underscoring a yearning for changes in governance that genuinely reflect the needs of the populace.
