Protest over cost of living crisis in Brussels

Thousands of demonstrators have rallied in the streets of Brussels to protest against the rising costs of living, disrupting public transport systems and disarranging this week’s European Union (EU) summit.

A demonstration is taking place in Brussels to demand higher wages and protest against rising energy prices, amidst soaring inflation caused by the conflict in Ukraine and the energy crisis across Europe.

Patrica Van Walle, CNE trade union member who takes part in the demonstration, says that "What we are asking for is very simple: we are asking that the price of energy be capped, as has been done in other European countries and in particular in France".

According to the Brussels police, 16,500 protesters showed up at the demonstration, demanding better pay and working conditions in line with soaring inflation across Europe.

Chanting slogans and holding up banners, the demonstrators also called on government officials to increase wages and salaries for pensioners.

Following Russia’s military campaign against Ukraine, the price of gas and electricity surged across Europe, with Belgium’s headline inflation rate reaching 10.63 percent in November, while consumer inflation in the eurozone as a whole is around 10 percent.

Brussels airport announced that flights should be cancelled as a result of the protests, while the local police said that traffic was disrupted due to the public demonstrations.