The empty departure hall of Brussels Airport is seen in Zaventem, Belgium, Feb. 13, 2025. Tens of thousands of people marched through central Brussels, Belgium, on Thursday to protest against planned government reforms, as unions warned of further strike action unless policymakers reconsider their proposals. The demonstration brought parts of the capital to a standstill, halting traffic on key routes and disrupting public transport. Brussels Airport canceled 430 flights as ground operations were suspended, while metro, bus, and tram services were severely affected.(Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe)
BRUSSELS, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Tens of thousands of people marched through central Brussels, Belgium, on Thursday to protest against planned government reforms, as unions warned of further strike action unless policymakers reconsider their proposals.
According to police estimates, around 60,000 demonstrators participated in the protest, waving banners and chanting slogans against measures outlined in the newly-formed Arizona federal government agreement.
The proposed reforms, which include changes to pensions, stricter conditions for early retirement, and cuts to public services, have sparked widespread anger across Belgium. Protesters expressed concerns that these measures could disproportionately impact lower-income workers and put further strain on the country's already stretched public service infrastructure.
The demonstration brought parts of the capital to a standstill, halting traffic on key routes and disrupting public transport. Brussels Airport canceled 430 flights as ground operations were suspended, while metro, bus, and tram services were severely affected.
Belgium's main trade unions, including FGTB, CSC, and CGSLB, organized the protest, arguing that the reforms will undermine job security and reduce the quality of state services.
The protest remained largely peaceful.
Union leaders have warned of a nationwide general strike on March 31 if the government does not respond. ■
A flight information board and the logo of Brussels Airport are seen at the departure hall of Brussels Airport in Zaventem, Belgium, Feb. 13, 2025. Tens of thousands of people marched through central Brussels, Belgium, on Thursday to protest against planned government reforms, as unions warned of further strike action unless policymakers reconsider their proposals.
The demonstration brought parts of the capital to a standstill, halting traffic on key routes and disrupting public transport. Brussels Airport canceled 430 flights as ground operations were suspended, while metro, bus, and tram services were severely affected.(Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe)
An empty tram station is seen in Brussels, Belgium, Feb. 13, 2025. Tens of thousands of people marched through central Brussels, Belgium, on Thursday to protest against planned government reforms, as unions warned of further strike action unless policymakers reconsider their proposals.
The demonstration brought parts of the capital to a standstill, halting traffic on key routes and disrupting public transport. Brussels Airport canceled 430 flights as ground operations were suspended, while metro, bus, and tram services were severely affected.(Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe)
Empty waiting lines are seen at the departure hall of Brussels Airport in Zaventem, Belgium, Feb. 13, 2025. Tens of thousands of people marched through central Brussels, Belgium, on Thursday to protest against planned government reforms, as unions warned of further strike action unless policymakers reconsider their proposals.
The demonstration brought parts of the capital to a standstill, halting traffic on key routes and disrupting public transport. Brussels Airport canceled 430 flights as ground operations were suspended, while metro, bus, and tram services were severely affected.(Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe)
A man rides past an empty tram station in Brussels, Belgium, Feb. 13, 2025. Tens of thousands of people marched through central Brussels, Belgium, on Thursday to protest against planned government reforms, as unions warned of further strike action unless policymakers reconsider their proposals.
The demonstration brought parts of the capital to a standstill, halting traffic on key routes and disrupting public transport. Brussels Airport canceled 430 flights as ground operations were suspended, while metro, bus, and tram services were severely affected.(Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe)
A woman walks past a flight information board at the departure hall of Brussels Airport in Zaventem, Belgium, Feb. 13, 2025. Tens of thousands of people marched through central Brussels, Belgium, on Thursday to protest against planned government reforms, as unions warned of further strike action unless policymakers reconsider their proposals.
The demonstration brought parts of the capital to a standstill, halting traffic on key routes and disrupting public transport. Brussels Airport canceled 430 flights as ground operations were suspended, while metro, bus, and tram services were severely affected.(Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe)
The empty departure hall of Brussels Airport is seen in Zaventem, Belgium, Feb. 13, 2025. Tens of thousands of people marched through central Brussels, Belgium, on Thursday to protest against planned government reforms, as unions warned of further strike action unless policymakers reconsider their proposals.
The demonstration brought parts of the capital to a standstill, halting traffic on key routes and disrupting public transport. Brussels Airport canceled 430 flights as ground operations were suspended, while metro, bus, and tram services were severely affected.(Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe)
A flight information board is seen at the departure hall of Brussels Airport in Zaventem, Belgium, Feb. 13, 2025. Tens of thousands of people marched through central Brussels, Belgium, on Thursday to protest against planned government reforms, as unions warned of further strike action unless policymakers reconsider their proposals.
The demonstration brought parts of the capital to a standstill, halting traffic on key routes and disrupting public transport. Brussels Airport canceled 430 flights as ground operations were suspended, while metro, bus, and tram services were severely affected.(Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe)
This photo taken on Feb. 13, 2025 shows the Brussels Airport in Zaventem, Belgium. Tens of thousands of people marched through central Brussels, Belgium, on Thursday to protest against planned government reforms, as unions warned of further strike action unless policymakers reconsider their proposals.
The demonstration brought parts of the capital to a standstill, halting traffic on key routes and disrupting public transport. Brussels Airport canceled 430 flights as ground operations were suspended, while metro, bus, and tram services were severely affected.(Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe)
