A nationwide strike against the proposed pension reform began in Belgium on January 13. The strike has led to the suspension of air and rail traffic and the closure of many schools.
According to Reuters and RTBF, almost half of the flights at Brussels Airport were canceled due to a strike by ground services, security, and other staff. The national railway operator NMBS reported a significant reduction in train services across the country, and public transport in Brussels also faced disruptions.
Additionally, tens of thousands of teachers are expected to participate in a protest in Brussels against the pension reform. One of the reasons for the protests is the government’s plan to cut social spending by 3 billion euros annually. Negotiations for the formation of a new government have been ongoing in Belgium since June 2024, following the parliamentary elections.
