Cynthia Ezegwu
A nationwide strike over a government savings plan brought much of Belgium to a standstill on Tuesday, grounding flights, halting public transport, and drawing tens of thousands of protesters to Brussels.
Brussels Airport, the country’s largest, cancelled all departures after security staff joined the industrial action, while Charleroi Airport — a major hub for budget carrier Ryanair — also suspended all flights due to staff shortages.
The strike, organised by major trade unions, is the latest in a series of nationwide protests since Flemish nationalist Bart De Wever became prime minister in February. Unions say the government’s proposed pension reforms and austerity measures will disproportionately burden workers and pensioners.
“This government promised more sustainable jobs and higher purchasing power. Hot air! Once again, everyone is paying except the rich,” trade union CSC said in a statement, urging Belgians to join street demonstrations.
Public transport across Brussels was heavily disrupted, with metro, tram, and bus services operating at minimal capacity. Police warned residents to avoid central areas and advised commuters to travel by car.
The strike adds pressure on De Wever’s coalition government, which on Monday failed to agree on a new budget, forcing the prime minister to postpone a key parliamentary address.
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Belgium faces a widening budget deficit that exceeds European Union limits, prompting the government to seek €10 billion ($12 billion) in savings through pension cuts, wage indexation freezes, and delayed retirement benefits.
At the same time, Brussels has pledged to increase defence spending in line with NATO commitments, part of a wider European push to strengthen rearmament.
De Wever, who took office after protracted coalition talks following last year’s elections, now faces growing labour unrest and mounting political resistance to his fiscal reform agenda.