Mass protests against the government's plans to raise the retirement age to 67 took place in Belgium. Thousands of citizens took to the streets of Brussels, carrying banners resembling road signs with the number 67 crossed out in a red circle, symbolizing opposition to the pension reform, Euronews reports.

Prime Minister Bart De Wever's government aims to raise the retirement age to 67 by 2030 and increase the number of working years required to retire. The pension agency estimates that this change will result in workers receiving an average of €318 less per month.

The protesters expressed opposition to the reform, arguing that it would primarily impact manual workers and the younger generation. The strike is being led by the country's major trade unions in protest against planned cuts to government spending.

The protests were accompanied by strikes in transport and government institutions. In Brussels, rail service and airport operations were partially paralyzed.