No fewer than 60,000 people on Thursday stormed central Brussels, Belgium, to protest planned government reforms, as unions warned of further strike action unless policymakers reconsider their proposals.
Belgium police said the demonstrators were waving banners and chanting slogans against measures outlined in the newly-formed Arizona federal government agreement.
The proposed reforms, which included changes to pensions, stricter conditions for early retirement, and cuts to public services, are said to have sparked widespread anger across Belgium.
Protesters expressed concerns that the measures could disproportionately impact lower-income workers and put further strain on the country’s already stretched public service infrastructure.
It was gathered that 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.
60,000 people protest govt reforms in Belgium
