Not for the first time this year, parts of Brussels are blocked because of a national demonstration today.
Just five weeks after the previous day of action on 9 November, Belgium's three main trade unions have organised another demonstration to call for more purchasing power and measures to alleviate the cost of living crisis.
According to the latest update from the police in the Brussels-Capital/Ixelles zone, some 16,500 people are taking part in the demonstration, which started at the Brussels North Station at 10:00.
While the unions recognised that some measures have been taken to protect employees (such as a 6% reduction in VAT on gas and electricity, an extension to the social tariff, and a basic energy package) they argued these steps serve only as "band-aids that won't stop the bleeding but will only delay the inevitable carnage."
As a result of the demonstration, public transport across the country – but particularly in Brussels – is disrupted, as many staff members are taking part in the national action. In Brussels, just one metro line is running and only a limited number of trams and buses are being operated.
Buses and trams across all of Flanders are operating on reduced service, and Wallonia is experiencing disruptions on lines servicing Charleroi, Liège, Hainaut, Namur and Walloon Brabant. At Brussels Airport, too, the action is leading to about 60% of flights being cancelled.
As this year has been marked with demonstrations, national days of action and strikes, the question remains if this latest protest will finally make a difference.
What do you think? Let @Maajtee know.
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