Belgium -canceled flights because of the strike. Other issues are expected in the transport system

Belgium is preparing for severe disruptions of the transport system, because in the country, this year's fifth general strike will take place, AFP reports.

The Government's plan to eliminate a special pension scheme and to align the retirement age for all civil servants with that of the private sector, at 66, have angered the unions and many workers.

Charleroi Airport, an important European hub for the Low-cost airline Ryanair, south of Brussels, has preventively canceled all Wednesdays, invoking the lack of staff.

Brussels Airport, the largest in the country, has similarly canceled all the flights, mentioning that most arrivals will also be affected.

The strike is the most recent in a series convened by Belgian CSC (Christian) and FGTB (socialist) trade union organizations. In Brussels, a rally is planned from which thousands of people are expected to attract, the CGSLB liberal union organization also joining the action.

Delays or cancellations are also anticipated for subway, tram and bus services in the Capital, as well as for the courts in the city, where the staff will stop their activity for two hours.

The Flemish nationalist Bart de Wever took over the position of prime minister in February, after months of negotiations following the federal elections that took place in Belgium in June 2024.

The government claims that pensions reform is required. Increasing life expectancy leads to increased costs, and the country is facing a budget deficit whose dimension violates the rules of the European Union.

Belgium has also committed to increase the defense expenses, as part of the efforts to stimulate the re -monitoring.

However, unions have shown a strong opposition against reforms, which include plans to reduce unemployment allowances and changes in how pensions are calculated, which critics say penalty of half -time employees.

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