General Strike in Belgium Disrupts Public Services

Following a delay in agreement on the government budget, a nationwide strike by labor unions continued for a second day, disrupting public transport, schools and state media services.

A nationwide strike by trade unions continued for a second day, disrupting public transport services, schools and state-run media, following the postponement of an agreement on the Belgian government's budget.

According to Ambassador Arjan, quoted by Reuters, Belgium's public sector activities were partially suspended on Monday following a strike by trade unions against the government's planned budget cuts. The strike continues as political pressure on Belgian Prime Minister Bart de Wever has increased due to the deadlock in budget negotiations.

Monday's strike was held after Friday's mass demonstrations in Brussels; At the end of the rally, a group of protesters clashed with the police. Although no large-scale protests were planned in the capital on Monday, the strike by public sector workers disrupted critical services across the country.

Railway and public transport services, state media and schools were among the affected sectors. The protesting employees have targeted the government's plans to reduce budget costs.

The Belgian Prime Minister's office announced over the weekend that the ruling coalition parties have failed to agree on a new federal budget. In the wake of the impasse, de Vever canceled his annual state of the country address to parliament, scheduled for Tuesday, to allow negotiations to continue.

Belgium's prime minister warned on Thursday that tough fiscal measures are necessary to avoid aggravating debts and rising interest costs; Otherwise, future generations will face heavy costs.

Belgian media have reported that the budget deal could be delayed until late October or early November. The continuation of the stalemate can also put pressure on the unity of the ruling coalition.