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Speech by Peter Mertens, general secretary of the PVDA-PTB, at the public event of the 8th congress of the European Left held in Brussels on 18 April, which brought together 40 European parties to fight against austerity, to stop militarisation and to win the future.

War and the militarisation of society, rising energy prices and industrial crisis: Europe is at a crossroads. On 17 and 18 April, Brussels hosted the congress of the European Left. 106 delegates from all over Europe came together to develop a common response to the situation and decide on guidelines for the next three years. The PVDA-PTB became a member of the European Left in 2025, and has since played an active role.

The attitude of European leaders towards the attack by the United States and Israel on Iran is shocking. Neither Ursula Von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, nor Kaja Kallas, the EU's "Foreign Minister", nor most European or Belgian leaders have condemned the attack. On the contrary, they have condemned Iran's response. A joint statement by the French, German and British governments even suggests that the Europeans would like to join this war of aggression in order to defend "their allies".

After Venezuela, Trump, Rubio and the US government are turning to their next target: Cuba.

Here's to a heartwarming and rebellious 2026!

ManiFiesta 2025 was: great vibes, talented musicians and artists, exciting speakers from all over the world, Belgium's biggest left-wing book fair, an international trade union village, a sparkling PioFiesta for our youngest revellers, the best food from different countries, MundoFiesta bringing together all those who stand up for international solidarity and against imperialism and also sports and games for young and old. But above all, ManiFiesta is the festival with the best festival-goers!

From November 23th to 26th, Belgium saw successful action against the austerity measures and budget cuts of the ‘Arizona’ rightist government, culminating in a general strike. The PVDA-PTB, present at 700 picket lines, had a clear message: “Listen to the workers, listen to those who keep the country running every day: Hands off our pensions, hands off the indexation of our wages or our night shift bonuses.”

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.

🤩 It's with energy like this that we're going to change the world!🔥 Thank you to the 15,000 participants of ManiFiesta Belgium 2025 for making this edition's heart beat.

On the eve of the NATO summit, the PVDA-PTB mobilized to oppose Trump’s 5% target and against NATO, an aggressive war machine. [Photo report]

ManiFiesta? Two days to see the world as it should be. With workers, young people and all those who want to imagine alternatives for the future, to be together, to act together...

In June, The Hague will host the 2025 NATO summit, where its members will pledge to increase defense spending, "rearm" the old continent and extend NATO's influence around the world.