‘Stop NATO,’ protesters chant at massive rally in heart of EU (VIDEOS)

Tens of 1000’s demonstrated towards the rising price of dwelling, with many linking the disaster to the West’s Russia insurance policies

A commerce union-organized protest numbering 70,000 to 80,000 demonstrators packed the streets of Brussels on Monday, bringing town to a standstill. Along with expressing anger on the rising price of dwelling in Belgium, many condemned the US-led NATO alliance and its involvement within the Ukrainian battle.

Commerce unions mentioned that 80,000 individuals attended the protest, whereas police mentioned that the turnout was nearer to 70,000, Reuters reported. Along with packing the streets, the protest led to mass cancellations of flights at Brussels Airport, as unions representing safety personnel went on strike. Public transit routes across the metropolis have been additionally working at drastically decreased capability.

Inflation hit 9% in Belgium in June, a four-decade excessive. With spending energy declining, protesters demanded wage hikes and tax cuts.

Biden's sanctions towards Russia this time prompted Brussels to take to the streets. The price of dwelling is so excessive that individuals cannot afford it pic.twitter.com/RJOreap3zt

— Protest Information (@ProtestNews_EN) June 20, 2022

Nonetheless, many linked their dire financial straits to the EU’s sanctions regime on Russia and with the NATO alliance’s rush to arm Ukraine.

Protesters demanded that their leaders “spend cash on salaries, not on weapons,” and chanted “cease NATO.” 

🇧🇪Protesters got here out in #Brussels demanding "to spend cash on salaries, not on weapons."

"Cease spending cash on the struggle" and "Cease #NATO!" — with such slogans, the members of the motion got here out pic.twitter.com/1NbgIQjwIR

— Ok Boz (@KBoz3) June 20, 2022

Whereas related protests towards rising prices have taken place throughout Europe as of late – 1000’s of commerce unionists marched in London on Saturday – few have linked the hovering costs with the actions of NATO and its members.

Simply three months in the past, some protesters in Brussels waved Ukrainian flags and demanded that the EU reduce itself off from “Putin’s Oil.” Weeks earlier than that, there was an illustration outdoors European Parliament buildings calling for “sanctions for Russia.” 

Brussels is house to headquarters of each the EU and NATO. It was additionally town from the place US President Joe Biden selected to announce a spherical of sanctions on Moscow in March, earlier than instantly telling a reporter that “sanctions by no means deter” these focused by them.

Regardless of predicting in April that these measures would “wipe out the final 15 years of Russia’s financial positive factors,” Russia’s vitality earnings have hit report ranges since February, and the Russian ruble is presently at a seven-year excessive towards the euro.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused European international locations of committing financial “suicide” by way of sanctions, and predicted final week that the EU’s “direct losses” from this sanctions coverage “might exceed $400 billion in a 12 months.”

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