Closing speech by Peter Mertens, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Belgium (PVDA-PTB), at the International Anti-War Conference, London, 20 June 2026.

Healthcare, not missiles; pensions, not F-35s; schools, not tanks. That is the message from the 12,000 people demonstrating in Brussels today against war and for social justice.

This Sunday, we took to the streets of Brussels. Not for a minor issue but for a fundamental choice: “Welfare, not warfare.” For today Europe seems determined to massively rearm, making it increasingly resemble Donald Trump’s militarized United States.

The Last Days of the Old Normal. That is the title of Peter Mertens's new book, which will be published in French in October by Agone. In this book, he delves into the reality of today's world, where shocking events unfold at a breakneck pace. The PTB's secretary-general analyses how Europe and the United States are fighting for their survival within capitalism and imperialism. But resistance is growing. Choices have to be made. "Those who want to see the sun will have to fight for socialism."

We will not pay the price for their wars. In Brussels, on Sunday, June 14, the European march "Welfare, not Warfare" will take place, organized by the Belgian front Stop Militarisation and the European coalition Stop ReArm Europe. We will be there with the PVDA-PTB (Workers' Party of Belgium).

On February 3, 2025, the 'Arizona' government was sworn in. Since then, it has been trying by all means to make everyone work longer, for less money, among other austerity measures. But it is facing sustained resistance. The social movement is holding firm against the intensified attacks of the De Wever-Bouchez government. With, this May 12, already the 15th national mobilization. 75,000 people filled the streets of Brussels: public and private sector workers, metalworkers, healthcare workers, teachers, public service employees, charity workers, cultural sector workers, youth, feminist, democratic, and peace movements.

Interview with Peter Mertens on the current wave of large-scale social protests in Belgium, the link between social cuts and militarization in Europe, and the fight for alternatives.

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.