Thousands of protesters take to the streets in Brussels for more purchasing power
NOS News•
In Brussels, about 10,000 people are taking to the streets because they want more purchasing power. The demonstrators demand energy and want rents not to be indexed.
The atmosphere in the office of the employers’ organization Association of Belgian Enterprises even became grim, reports the Flemish broadcaster VRT. Protesters carried smoke bombs and eggs to the building, resulting in one of the windows being broken, but major rioting and destruction were not sustained.
The protests are organized by the unions. “Even a basic product such as food has become 5 to 10 percent more expensive, the purchasing power must increase,” Miranda Ulens of the General Belgian Trade Union (ABVV) told the newspaper. VRT.
The protesters are also demanding higher wages from private employers. The ‘Wage Standard Act’ stipulates that each year can increase by a maximum. The protesters want that to be roused.
Agreement on energy support
Last week, the government reached an agreement on energy support for the months of November and December. During that period, Belgians with a variable contract, signed on October 2021, will receive a compensation for the gas and electricity bill.
This does not apply to the citizens’ social rate, a reduced energy rate for people with a low income. The unions want the date to be extended.
Companies and independent and will receive a reduction in excise taxes on gas and electricity until January next year.
‘Burgers are being strangled’
The unions believe that the “citizens are being strangled” by the increased prices for living. According to them, the measures taken by the government are not enough to help people out. “We are on the bone. It’s not that we don’t want to pay. It’s not that we can’t pay anymore,” said Thierry Bodson of the ABVV trade union.
Because many drivers took part in the demonstrations, there is a nuisance for public transport in Brussels, Antwerp and the Limburg region, among others. In addition, the garbage is not collected in nine Brussels municipalities. Residents have been asked to put their garbage bags back inside.