Overview
- Brussels police counted about 80,000 protesters, while organisers claimed up to 150,000 at the capital’s march.
- All departures and roughly half of arrivals at Brussels International were cancelled as airport security walked out; Charleroi Airport halted all flights.
- Brussels public transport operator STIB cut most metro, tram and bus services, causing widespread disruptions across the city.
- Police used tear gas and water cannon during clashes, detained several dozen people, and reported vandalism including damage at the Immigration Office.
- Prime Minister Bart De Wever postponed the 2026 budget presentation by a week as his coalition pursues measures to raise the retirement age to 67 by 2030 and cap unemployment benefits at two years.