On March 31, 2025, Belgium experienced a nationwide strike that brought the country to a standstill, disrupting public services, transport, and air travel. Employees from both the public and private sectors participated in the 24-hour strike, protesting against the proposed pension reforms by the newly formed government, which has been dubbed the "Arizona government" due to the coalition's party colors resembling those of the Arizona state flag.
The coalition, led by Flemish nationalist Bart de Wever, includes five parties, with the N-VA (New Flemish Alliance) at the forefront. The planned reforms are set to penalize those who retire early without 35 years of service, imposing fines on them, while incentivizing those who continue working past retirement age.
As reported by Euronews, the strike significantly affected public transport across Belgium. In Flanders, less than half of the scheduled buses and trams were operational. The national railway service was only able to provide a minimal number of trains, as mandated by law, with less than half of all trains running. Many schools were closed, and essential public services, including postal and waste management services, were halted.
The strike's impact was felt internationally as well, with Brussels Airport canceling all 244 flights and warning that incoming flights could also be affected. Charleroi Airport, the second largest in Belgium, also suspended all departures and arrivals. National carrier Brussels Airlines canceled all flights, particularly those from Germany, Italy, and Spain. Passengers were notified in advance and given options to rebook or request refunds.
Protesters also took to the streets, blocking access to several stores in Brussels' shopping district, including well-known brands like Foot Locker, Zara, and Primark. The demonstrations were a response to the government’s budget cuts and proposed changes to pensions, unemployment benefits, and public services.
Stefanu Schibetta, a senior representative of the General Federation of Labor of Belgium (FGTB), expressed the frustration of workers, stating, "No one wants to work until they are 67 years old in order to receive less money. We work in a profitable industry. This year we made a billion in sales - and that's it. One billion, and our salaries are frozen." Many Belgians feel betrayed by the government, leading to an increase in strike actions throughout the country.
In February, the seeds of discontent had already been sown, as tens of thousands of people marched in Brussels against the government's austerity measures and proposed pension reforms. The public sentiment reflects a growing dissatisfaction with the government's handling of economic issues, especially concerning the working class and low-income earners.
The new pension system proposed by the government has been criticized for being less favorable to low-income individuals compared to the previous framework, which offered one-time payments based on years of service. Many believe that the current administration's focus on budget cuts and austerity measures disproportionately impacts the most vulnerable in society.
Despite the government's assurances that the reforms are necessary for financial stability, the backlash from the public indicates a deep-seated frustration with ongoing economic challenges and perceived inequities in the proposed changes.
Some commentators have raised concerns that while the strikes disrupt daily life for ordinary citizens, they may not significantly affect the government itself. This sentiment echoes a broader concern about the effectiveness of strikes as a tool for enacting change in government policy.
As Belgium grapples with these contentious reforms, the situation remains fluid, with unions and workers vowing to continue their protests until their demands are met. The unfolding events serve as a stark reminder of the tensions between government austerity measures and the rights and needs of workers.
In a broader context, similar protests have been observed in other European nations, reflecting a growing wave of worker unrest across the continent. For instance, in Slovakia, large rallies have called for the resignation of Prime Minister Robert Fico, who has been criticized for his pro-Russian stance. These events highlight a significant moment in European politics where economic challenges and public discontent are converging, prompting citizens to demand more from their governments.
As the situation develops, it will be interesting to see how the Belgian government responds to the ongoing discontent and whether any concessions will be made to address the concerns of its citizens. The upcoming weeks will likely be critical in determining the trajectory of this national crisis.
