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In just a few days, the grassroots in Belgium made their voices heard. On October 9th, 50,000 workers and a large number of young people marched against austerity. On October 10th, across Europe and in Belgium, thousands took to the streets in solidarity with the Palestinian people, demanding that their governments completely sever ties with Israel. On October 11th, 60,000 people marched for the climate in Brussels. And on October 12th, public-sector workers were on strike and took action. Four protests, one common cause: that of the working class in Belgium, which refuses to foot the bill for a system that benefits a small minority, and which also refuses to remain complicit in an apartheid state. They thought they could impose their antisocial measures without resistance. They were wrong.

Peter Mertens is an author, political strategist, Member of Parliament, and General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Belgium. To connect with an international audience, Peter has launched new social media accounts featuring English-language content focused on global issues. Give him a follow and stay connected. Just as our struggles are. Instagram: www.instagram.com/petermertens_int YouTube: www.youtube.com/@petermertensinternational Multilingual social media: X (Twitter): www.x.com/peter_mertens TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@peter.mertens

Amidst the chaos of a world falling apart, hope is born. And few places radiate that hope as much as ManiFiesta, the Festival of Solidarity. 🔥 For two days, we celebrated, danced, laughed, played, debated and tore the world apart… to prepare ourselves to build a new one. 17,000 people came together in the spirit of solidarity and hope, in the fight for peace, the climate and social justice. Take a look at the photos and some of the weekend’s highlights.

Raoul Hedebouw's speech during the main event of ManiFiesta 2026.

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.

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.

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.