Belgium is experiencing a three-day national strike this week, affecting various sectors including public transport, schools, and essential services. The industrial action was initiated by unions in response to proposals by Prime Minister Bart De Wever's government to address the national debt through changes to labor laws, unemployment benefits, and pensions.
The strike involves teachers, medical personnel, and rubbish collectors, and is scheduled to conclude with a general strike on Wednesday. Transport services are significantly impacted, with Eurostar issuing warnings of potential disruption. Belgium's two main airports have announced the cancellation of all departure flights for Wednesday.
This industrial action follows earlier strikes since Prime Minister De Wever, a Flemish nationalist, formed a centre-right coalition government in February. The government aims to reduce the national budget deficit. On Monday, an agreement on the budget was reached, which De Wever stated was essential to ensure the sustainability of Belgium's welfare state.
At the end of the previous year, Belgium's budget deficit stood at 4.5% of GDP, with national debt at 104.7% of GDP. European Union fiscal regulations require member states to maintain a budget deficit below 3% and national debt below 60% of GDP.