Georges-Louis Bouchez urges Belgian unions to postpone protests

Georges-Louis Bouchez, leader of the Mouvement Réformateur, has called on Belgian unions to postpone national demonstrations scheduled for Friday, October 9, and Monday. The request follows recent outbreaks of violence and property damage during student protests in cities such as Liège and Charleroi.

Bouchez expressed skepticism that the upcoming protests could remain peaceful given the current climate of unrest. He argued that a delay of a few days would allow authorities sufficient time to identify and intercept those responsible for recent destruction, thereby upholding the rule of law.

In place of street demonstrations, Bouchez proposed holding meetings with union representatives on Friday to discuss sectoral blockages and budgetary disputes through official dialogue. He emphasized the need to protect civilians, public and private property, and police officers from potential violence.