Hundreds of Flemish pupils protest against education reforms
Hundreds of secondary school pupils staged protests across several Flemish cities on Thursday against the policies of Education minister Zuhal Demir.
In Ghent, around 300 pupils gathered at the Vrijdagmarkt, some holding placards aimed directly at the minister. A small number climbed a statue and chanted slogans, while police monitored the scene without intervening. The protest was organised after calls spread on TikTok.
Smaller demonstrations took place in Leuven, Antwerp and Hasselt. About 50 pupils met in Leuven’s Ladeuzeplein, carrying signs calling for dialogue and the protection of pedagogical study days. In Antwerp, roughly 200 pupils surrounded a statue on Groenplaats, saying they feared a decline in teaching quality. Around 70 pupils protested in Hasselt, raising concerns about teacher shortages, outdated classrooms and increasing study periods.
Many pupils oppose plans to cut pedagogical study days and rest days after exams, arguing they are vital for teachers’ training and preparation. Some also criticised the way decisions are communicated, though smartphone bans were a lesser concern for most.
The protests followed a meeting on Wednesday between Demir and the Flemish Pupils’ Council, after which the minister promised to consult pupils more regularly. The council welcomed the talks but said it regretted that the study days would not be reinstated.
Demir has previously warned that striking counts as unauthorised absence from school and says her focus remains on improving education standards.
#FlandersNewsService | © BELGA PHOTO ROBBE VANDEGEHUCHTE