Belgium strike partly shuts public sector as budget deal delayed

Belgium's public sector was partially shut down on Monday as unions staged a second day ​of nationwide strike action against planned government budget ‌cuts, amid mounting political pressure on Prime Minister Bart De Wever over a stalled budget agreement, Report informs via Reuters.

Monday's strike followed an initial ​mass protest of thousands of protesters in Brussels ​on Friday that ended with a small group ⁠clashing with police. While no large-scale demonstration was planned ​in the capital on Monday, the strike disrupted key ​public services across Belgium. Rail services, public transport, public broadcasting and schools were all affected as public sector workers protested against government ​plans.

The action comes as Flemish right-wing leader De ​Wever faces growing pressure over delayed budget negotiations. Over the weekend, the ‌prime ⁠minister's office said coalition partners had failed to reach agreement on a new federal budget, forcing De Wever to cancel his planned State of the Union ​address to parliament ​on Tuesday ⁠while talks continue.

De Wever said on Thursday that painful budget measures were needed ​now to avert a looming debt and ​interest-cost spiral ⁠that would otherwise leave future generations with a heavy bill. Belgian media reported that the budget deal could be ⁠delayed ​to late October or early ​November and that a prolonged deadlock could put the coalition's cohesion under ​strain.