Belgium Gripped by Nationwide General Strike and Demonstrations Over Austerity Measures

Thousands Protest Austerity in Brussels

Brussels experienced a significant day of protest on Monday, December 15, 2025, as the United Trade Union Front called for a nationwide general strike and demonstration. Between 5,000 and 7,000 people gathered in the Belgian capital to voice their opposition to planned government budget agreements and austerity measures affecting the Wallonia-Brussels Federation. The protest march commenced from Place du Luxembourg and proceeded towards the Federation's government headquarters.

The demonstration, which included a diverse group of participants such as teachers, students, artists, and childcare workers, aimed to pressure lawmakers ahead of a crucial vote. Placards carried by demonstrators featured slogans like 'Money for education, not militarisation' and 'A state without culture = a fascist state'. The protest occurred just 48 hours before the Federation's parliament was scheduled to vote on the final 2026 budget, with protestors demanding, 'Do not approve this proposal!'.

Budget Cuts Spark Widespread Discontent

The core of the protest stems from the MR and Les Engagés-led Federation government's plan to implement €225 million in budget cuts starting next year, out of a total annual expenditure of approximately €15 billion. These austerity measures are intended to address a persistent deficit but have drawn strong criticism from unions and various sectors. Concerns raised include the impact on pension reform, cost-of-living measures, and reductions in public services, unemployment benefits, and early retirement schemes.

Specific sectors, including education and culture, are particularly affected. For instance, a visual artist, Clara Thomine, stated that ending the indexation of subsidies in the visual arts sector could result in 'half of all organisations disappearing over the next four years.' Similarly, a French teacher in Brussels, Maud, highlighted that halving resources for differentiated teaching would mean 'only children from wealthy families will be able to go on school trips'.

Significant Disruptions Across Public Services and Transport

The general strike led to widespread disruptions across Belgium, particularly in Brussels. Public transport operators such as STIB, De Lijn, and SNCB anticipated reduced or skeletal services. Warnings were issued by several EU consulates, including Bulgaria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, advising nationals to expect 'severe transport disruptions'.

• Public Transport: Buses, metro, and some rail links were severely affected.
• Air Travel: Brussels Airport security screening staff were expected to join the walkout, potentially causing longer queues.
• Other Services: Schools, nurseries, and municipal offices across the Wallonia-Brussels Federation were also impacted.
• Roads: Road access in central Brussels was disrupted, with high impact zones identified around Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat, Boulevard Anspach/Anspachlaan, Place de la Bourse/Beursplein, and major rail hubs.

While international train services like Eurostar and Thalys were largely expected to operate normally, local connections to nearby cities such as Lille, Maastricht, and Aachen faced potential cancellations. The strike's timing, just ten days before the holiday peak, posed additional challenges for travelers and businesses.