Tens of Thousands Protest Pension Reforms in Belgium

Tens of thousands of Belgians protested on Thursday against the government’s proposed pension reforms, marking the first day of a multi-day strike that disrupted air traffic nationwide, Reuters reported. Local police reported approximately 60,000 participants in Brussels alone.

Clashes erupted between protesters and police outside the headquarters of the liberal MR party, a coalition member, leading to the use of tear gas and water cannons. Demonstrators set off fireworks and displayed signs with slogans like “We’re not lemons.”

The strike also impacted public transport and postal services, with firefighters and military personnel joining the protests. The new pension system rewards those who work past retirement age with 35 years of service, while early retirees face penalties, disproportionately affecting lower-income earners.

Prime Minister Bart De Wever’s government, sworn in on Feb. 3, includes a coalition of right-wing, centrist, and socialist parties, with tensions rising over the recent reforms.