Police unions are organising a protest in Brussels on Thursday 30 January. Traffic and public transport are expected to be disrupted during the morning rush hour.
The police unions VSOA and NSPV are organising a protest against the measures contained in the Federal Government negotiations formator Bart De Wever's (N-VA) socio-economic reforms.
The unions and participants will march from Brussels-Central Station (Esplanade de l'Europe) via the inner Ring Road to Rue de la Loi and N-VA headquarters on Rue Royal.
Around 500 people are expected to take part in the demonstration. The action starts at 7:15 and roads will be closed off. "Due to a protest, traffic disruption can be expected on Thursday between 07:00 and 10:00 in Brussels," the City of Brussels/Ixelles police zone warned.
The route will follow Mont des Arts, Place Royal, Rue de Namur, Boulevard du Régent, Arts-Loi, Boulevard du Régent, Place Surlet de Chokier, Rue du Nord, Rue du Gouvernement Provisoire and Rue Royale. The demonstration will end at Place du Congrès at around 10:00.
(FR👇) ⚠ Vanwege een #betoging valt er verkeershinder te verwachten op donderdag 30/01 tussen 7u en 10u in #Brussel. We raden u aan de volgende sectoren te vermijden: ➡️ Vertrek: Europakruispunt (Centraal-Station) ➡️ Parcours: Kunstberg – Koningsplein – Naamsestraat –… pic.twitter.com/foXEpatlQy
— PolBru (@zpz_polbru) January 28, 2025
Around Arts-Loi, it is possible a blockade may be formed. "Please choose public transport and avoid these sectors by car," the police added.
Public transport affected
Public transport operator STIB has warned the action will also result in its networks being disrupted on Thursday morning. "We don't expect any major problems, but the lines running above ground will be slightly delayed and disrupted," spokesperson Laurent Vermeersch told The Brussels Times. "Buses crossing the route will likely be held up momentarily."
Tram lines 8, 92, 93 and 97 and buses 12, 21, 29, 33, 34, 38, 52, 63, 64, 65, 66, 71, 80 and 95 may be disrupted.
"We advise passengers to follow the information in real-time on our website, via the app or at the stops to check whether the tram or bus line is running normally," said Vermeersch.
The protest aims to express anger over De Wever's proposals which unions say will result in police staff "surrendering or losing acquired rights". They fear this will further reduce the attractiveness of the profession.
With their action, they call on the federal negotiators to be more respectful of acquired rights, by making the profession more attractive and, above all, to work towards a special status and respect for challenging professions, including that of police officers.