The protest, which saw nearly 60,000 participants according to Brussels police, aimed to express dissatisfaction with Prime Minister Bart De Wever's conservative government's plans to increase the retirement age and implement austerity measures. The strikes were exacerbated by the involvement of air traffic controllers, security personnel, and baggage handlers, leading to predictions of heavy travel delays as travelers sought to rebook flights on Friday.
While most protests proceeded peacefully, a small segment of demonstrators turned to violent acts, hurling objects at police, prompting a response involving tear gas and several arrests. The local police condemned the violence, affirming the importance of maintaining public order during demonstrations.
The government, which took seven months to form a coalition, is grappling with the challenges of an aging population and financial pressures, worsened by new European Union fiscal regulations. Belgium’s recent policy changes increased the retirement age to 66 and announced plans to push it to 67 by 2030 for individuals born in 1960 or later, inciting fears and frustrations among workers.
These changes mirror movements in neighboring France, where similar adjustments to the retirement age have sparked widespread protests. Chris Huybrechts, president of VSOA Defense, a union representing defense workers, voiced the sentiments of many, stating, “The government won't listen to the people. The working class has to pay more to get less.”
This situation underscores the rising tide of public dissent across Europe as citizens confront the ramifications of fiscal reform and societal change.
While most protests proceeded peacefully, a small segment of demonstrators turned to violent acts, hurling objects at police, prompting a response involving tear gas and several arrests. The local police condemned the violence, affirming the importance of maintaining public order during demonstrations.
The government, which took seven months to form a coalition, is grappling with the challenges of an aging population and financial pressures, worsened by new European Union fiscal regulations. Belgium’s recent policy changes increased the retirement age to 66 and announced plans to push it to 67 by 2030 for individuals born in 1960 or later, inciting fears and frustrations among workers.
These changes mirror movements in neighboring France, where similar adjustments to the retirement age have sparked widespread protests. Chris Huybrechts, president of VSOA Defense, a union representing defense workers, voiced the sentiments of many, stating, “The government won't listen to the people. The working class has to pay more to get less.”
This situation underscores the rising tide of public dissent across Europe as citizens confront the ramifications of fiscal reform and societal change.
