The government must listen to the voice of the people and back down on its plans for social destruction
140,000 people marched today, October 14, through the streets of Brussels. An exceptional mobilisation — one of the largest union demonstrations in the past 25 years.
"Something important is happening, and the government should pay attention," said Peter Mertens, general secretary of the PVDA-PTB. "People came from everywhere, from all walks of life: blue-collar and white-collar workers, employees from both the public and private sectors — from all those professions that keep society running. Young people and students were particularly present in large numbers. There were also many families, and the not-for-profit and community sector showed up in force. 140,000 people representing Belgium are fed up with this government that is tearing down our social protections."
This mobilisation expresses a deep sense of frustration in the face of government attacks. "People are telling us: ‘This is the first time I’ve protested. Because this time, it’s just too much.’ And we understand them," continues Peter Mertens. "The De Wever-Bouchez government wants to rob them of their pensions and their best years. It wants to force them to work until 67, imposing pension penalties on those who can’t make it that far."
He adds: "This government is also targeting night shift bonuses, sick workers, and all our social rights. And now it wants to silence us by attacking our right to protest and to organise. It claims there’s no money — except when it’s about funding war or handing out tax breaks to shareholders."
"What we’re feeling today is incredible energy, collective pride, and strong determination," concludes Peter Mertens. "A force that can only grow if the government refuses to back down. Yes, more and more of us are realising it: together, we can make them back off. Together, we can win."
