Belgium has ground to a halt as unions launched a massive three-day strike starting Monday, protesting Prime Minister Bart De Wever’s tough new budget measures.
Day-by-Day Chaos
- Monday: Public transport crippled – only 1 in 3 trains running, many Paris connections cancelled
- Tuesday: Schools, nurseries, and non-emergency hospital services shut down
- Wednesday: Total shutdown – Brussels-Zaventem and Charleroi airports expect zero flights
What Sparked the Fury?
De Wever’s new five-year budget, sealed Sunday night, includes:
- Higher VAT and investment taxes
- Cuts to social programs
- Tighter rules on unemployment benefits and pensions
- Boost in military spending
The PM called it “work today, harvest tomorrow,” but unions see it as an attack on workers’ rights.
Government vs Unions
De Wever, in office since February, says Belgium’s sky-high debt leaves no choice. Union leaders fired back, accusing him of “total contempt” for ordinary people and vowing to fight every cut.
This week’s action follows October’s 80,000-strong march in Brussels and is designed to force the government back to the table.
Travel plans ruined, schools closed, flights grounded Belgium is paying the price as both sides dig in.
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