Nearly 100,000 take to the streets as a "wave of resistance and solidarity" sweeps Belgium

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Nearly 100,000 protesters gathered in Brussels, Belgium to voice their opposition to the Belgian government's plans to cut social services. The protest, which took place on Thursday, February 13, saw airports and public transport largely paralyzed as workers took to the streets. The new center-right government, led by Prime Minister Bart De Wever, plans to implement measures that include reductions in pensions and cuts to the public service.

The protests were supported by the country's three main unions.

The Workers' Party of Belgium called it a "wave of resistance and solidarity" sweeping the country as the "unions were joined by numerous organizations from the broader social movement: anti-poverty associations, movements for peace and solidarity with Palestine, cultural organizations, NGOs for development cooperation, climate movements, feminist movements."

The protestors are demanding "respect for those who keep the country running, to defend our pensions, our purchasing power, and manageable working hours."

Saying the protest was just the beginning, the Workers' Party notes that going forward several "key events have already been announced, including March 8th for women’s rights and the cross-sector general strike on March 31st."