Thousands of Belgians took to the streets on Thursday to protest the new government’s proposed pension reforms, kicking off a multi-day strike that brought the country’s air traffic to a standstill.
Brussels Airport canceled 430 flights, with officials confirming the disruption would last only one day. Protesters carried signs reading “We’re not lemons” and displayed Latin phrases, referencing Prime Minister Bart De Wever’s fondness for classical quotes.
The strike also impacted public transport, postal services, and saw participation from firefighters and military personnel. The proposed pension changes benefit those working past retirement with 35 years of service, while early retirees without that threshold face penalties—making the system less favorable for lower-income workers compared to the previous structure.
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