Belgium rocked by nationwide strike, chaos hits transport and public services

ByEnigma 808

Belgium saw major disruptions in transport and public services on Tuesday due to a national general strike. Police reported several arrests after clashes, vandalism, and arson in Brussels.

Led by Belgium’s main trade unions, the strike protests planned public spending cuts by the government of Flemish nationalist Bart De Wever. The protests follow other strikes since De Wever became prime minister in February, with his government pushing for reforms in pensions and labor markets.

The strike caused severe delays and cancellations, grounding flights at Brussels South Charleroi and Zaventem airports. Most metro, bus, and tram lines in Brussels were suspended. Prisons across Belgium also staged strikes.

Police made arrests after small fires were set near Brussels’ ring road, and riot police clashed with protesters in the city center. Several injuries and arrests were reported. De Wever’s ‘State of the Union’ speech was postponed after his government failed to agree on the federal budget.

Author

  • Enigma XO avatar (80x80)

    Besides writing and being a content creator, Enigma 808 sometimes likes to watch paint dry on walls, listening to ASMR while timing snails racing. Such is life.