Thousands Protest in Brussels over Cost of Living Crisis (+Video)
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Over 15,000 people demonstrated in Brussels, the capital of Belgium, protesting high energy prices and demanding better pay to counter runaway inflation.
Because of the protest, which was backed by the three main unions, public services were affected throughout the country, especially the rail and subway systems in and around the capital and Brussels international airport.
This protest through Brussels on Friday was organized by Belgium's three largest unions. They claim the country's federal government and EU authorities are failing to adequately help citizens during the current escalating cost of living crisis. Many also question how the EU is able to set aside at least €20bn for Ukraine in 2023.
The EU's energy sanctions against Russia over the war in Ukraine have backfired. Oil, gas, diesel, petrol and electricity prices are through the roof. Inflation across the eurozone is running at 10%. However, wages are not going up.
Landlords will now have another excuse. The European Central Bank increased interest rates by a half of one percent on Thursday.
The national strike on Friday resulted in flight cancellations, according to Brussels Airport. There were also major disruptions to tram, bus and metro services.
Union members, not just in Belgium but across the EU, are warning of protests throughout 2023, which will impact public services, unless their cost of living concerns are addressed.
