Belgium: Tens of thousands protest in Brussels against government’s “brutal budget”

Tuesday 14 October 2025 - 15:00

By: Sahili Aya

Belgium: Tens of thousands protest in Brussels against government’s “brutal budget”

Brussels — Tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Brussels on Tuesday to protest what unions have called the Belgian government’s “brutal budget cuts” targeting social protection and public services. The protest comes amid ongoing budget negotiations led by Prime Minister Bart De Wever, and caused major disruptions in transport, aviation, and education.

According to police, around 80,000 people joined the rally — far exceeding the 60,000 who had protested in February after the new federal government took office. Union leaders accused the government of launching “a full-scale attack on social protection, public services, and solidarity.”

Bart De Wever’s administration has already limited unemployment benefits to two years and plans to overhaul the pension system, including eliminating special regimes and aligning public-sector workers with the private sector. Protesters carried signs reading “Right to retire at 65” and “Wanted for pension theft.”

Airports and public transport networks were heavily disrupted across Belgium. Brussels-Zaventem and Charleroiairports canceled nearly all flights due to security staff strikes. Some demonstrators clashed with police near Brussels’ inner ring road, and several arrests were reported.