Brussels Airport Cancels 430 Flights Amid Mass Protests Against New Government’s Pension Reforms
Thousands of Belgians took to the streets on Thursday to protest against pension reforms planned by the new government. The strike, which will last for several days, completely halted the country's air traffic on the first day, Reuters reports.
A spokesman for Brussels airport said 430 flights were cancelled that day, adding that the problems with air traffic would be temporary and last only a day.
The protesters held placards with slogans including ‘We are not lemons’. Some banners contained Latin phrases, a reference to the new Prime Minister Bart de Wever, who often uses Latin.
The strike could also cause disruptions to public transport and postal services. Firefighters and the military joined the protesters.
The government's proposed pension reform provides incentives for those who continue to work after retirement, provided they have 35 years of service. At the same time, early termination of employment without the required length of service is subject to penalties.
Under the new system, conditions for low-income individuals have become less favourable compared to the previous model, which provided lump-sum payments based on length of service.
The new government, led by N-VA party leader Bart de Wever, was sworn in on 3 February, six months after the parliamentary elections.