For the 15th time in 18 months, tens of thousands demonstrated against reforms proposed by Belgium’s Arizona government.

Workers’ Party of Belgium’s Peter Mertens discusses the wave of social protests in Belgium, the link between social cuts and militarization, and the struggle for alternatives.

Belgian unions and progressive movements marked one year of resistance to De Wever government with 100,000-strong demo and national strike.

Peter Mertens, general secretary of the Workers’ Party of Belgium, tells Peoples Dispatch that 2026 brings opportunities for class struggle – if the left is ready to act boldly.

Workers across Belgium are wrapping up a three-day strike wave opposing the government’s austerity plans, including salary freezes.

Around 140,000 people joined trade union protests in Brussels, opposing austerity measures planned by Bart De Wever’s administration.

Around 110,000 people marched in Brussels, showing a symbolic red card to Israel’s genocide in Gaza and condemning government inaction.

More than 60,000 people marched in Brussels on Sunday, calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Palestine, an arms embargo, and European accountability

Resistance to the Arizona government’s austerity and militarization plans continues in Belgium, with more mobilizations expected ahead of May 1

Samidoun activist Mohammed Khatib was detained by police after a daily Palestine solidarity protest in Brussels, reflecting escalating repression in Europe

Belgium’s two largest trade union confederations have launched a general strike in protest against the Arizona government’s austerity agenda