<h1>Massive Protest in Brussels Against Social Service Cuts and Pension Reductions by Belgian Government</h1> Nearly 100,000 protesters gathered in Brussels to oppose the Belgian government's plans to cut social services as part of a strategy to reduce national debt. The protest, organized by the country's main trade unions, targeted reductions in pensions and public service cuts proposed by the new centre-right government led by the Prime Minister. The unions argue that the wealthy should contribute more to the economic burden. The protest coincided with disruptions in public transport and airport operations. The government's focus on increasing defense spending, under pressure from NATO, further fueled the demonstrations. A general strike is planned for March 31.