Brussels, (Unib Rashid) — A nationwide strike was held across Belgium today following a call by national trade unions in protest against the government’s proposed reforms. Around 40,000 people participated in a large demonstration in the capital, Brussels. The protest concluded peacefully in the afternoon without any major incidents.

Public life was severely disrupted as public transport services were suspended during the strike. At Brussels Airport, nearly half of the scheduled flights were unable to depart due to walkouts by sections of airport staff.

Courtesy of Belga News Agency

40,000 people took part in the national trade union demonstration in Brussels on Tuesday. The unions criticised the fact that the federal government is, according to them, implementing reforms without social consultation https://t.co/2C6BVx49Fl#Belga #unions #protest pic.twitter.com/4ZXKVN199t

— Belga News Agency_English (@Belga_English) May 12, 2026

Speaking on the occasion, trade union leaders strongly criticized the federal government, accusing it of imposing reforms without proper social consultation. They described the measures as a “social disaster.”

This marks the sixth major protest call by the ACV, ABVV, and ACLVB trade unions against the current federal government since 2025. Several national and regional strikes have also taken place during this period.

Although the demonstration remained largely peaceful, tensions briefly escalated when protesters passed near the headquarters of the ruling MR party. Some demonstrators reportedly threw smoke bombs, firecrackers, and eggs at the MR offices.

Addressing the government, union leaders stated that reforms cannot be implemented solely on the basis of budget calculations, emphasizing that “real people stand behind these figures.” They condemned the government for ignoring social dialogue and claimed that consultations with unions were being “completely disregarded.”

Union representatives further warned that the pension system was “slowly sinking along with politicians.” They argued that while authorities claim there is no money available for pensions and social benefits, there appears to be “no limit” when it comes to defense spending.

The leaders added that pensioners, sick individuals, and vulnerable citizens were increasingly being treated as a financial burden by the government, stressing that “this is unacceptable.”