Protest March of PVDA-PTB: "We refuse to sacrifice our pensions to buy new F-35s"

In his speech, party chairperson Raoul Hedebouw condemned the federal government’s attacks on pensioners, the sick, and all workers in the country.

"The parties in government want to make everyone work longer for smaller pensions, particularly by introducing penalties or weakening pension indexation—we will not accept this," declared the PVDA-PTB president. "None of these parties can explain why there’s supposedly no money for our pensions, healthcare, or purchasing power, yet they can magically find billions for war and military spending. We refuse to sacrifice our pensions to buy new F-35s."

Peace and opposition to militarization were also central to the left-wing party’s message. "This government doesn’t just want to dismantle our social security to increase military spending—it wants to militarize our entire society," Hedebouw explained. "We oppose turning our economy, research, culture, values, norms, and even our minds over to the service of the military and war. If you want peace, you prepare for peace."

Addressing recent events, Hedebouw also returned to the issue of politicians’ privileges: "We at the PVDA-PTB have exposed how, while they attack workers’ pensions, politicians continue to enjoy a series of privileges. Under pressure, they’re now hastily announcing measures. So far, it’s just talk—but it shows they’re feeling the heat. We will keep up the pressure: to end politicians’ privileges and to secure the right to a dignified pension for all workers in this country."

He concluded by calling for broader mobilization, urging participation in the next trade union day of action on April 29 and in May Day protests. "Nothing is set in stone yet. No law has been passed. Together, with the whole social movement, we can force this government to back down," he said.