Tens of thousands protest against austerity measures in Brussels
Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Brussels on Wednesday to protest against the Belgian government's austerity measures. "We are being fleeced," said union leaders, who criticised the lack of social dialogue.
Trade unions in Belgium have been protesting against the federal government's plans to cut social spending for months. They estimated that between 30,000 and 35,000 people took part in Wednesday's protest. The police put the number at 20,000.
With this latest demonstration, the unions wanted to voice their opposition to the government's policies once more before the summer holidays. They argue that the announced cuts amount to social destruction, and criticise the lack of social dialogue.
'Government of liars'
In their speeches, the trade unions strongly criticised both the government and the employers. Thierry Bodson, chairman of the socialist union ABVV, labelled the federal government a right-wing "government of liars".
"We are being fleeced"
"We are being fleeced," said Ann Vermorgen, chairwoman of the Christian trade union ACV. Gert Truyens of the liberal trade union ACLVB called for more respect for workers, stating that social dialogue was completely lacking.
National strike
Wednesday's demonstration proceeded without incident. A strike organised for the same day resulted in all flights being cancelled at Charleroi Airport, as well as severe disruption to public transport in Brussels. Trade unions have announced a new, large-scale demonstration for 14 October.
“People will increasingly realise that these measures affect them”
Bodson believes that it is definitely worthwhile to continue protesting against the planned cuts to pensions and unemployment benefits. “People will increasingly realise that these measures affect them,” he said on Wednesday. "Today, many employees still think they will be able to escape it. But at some point, the pension penalty will affect everyone."
© BELGA PHOTO JAMES ARTHUR GEKIERE
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