Belgium's 'opposition to pension reform' on the 13th predicted a national general strike.

A nationwide general strike has been heralded in Belgium to protest pension reforms foreshadowed by the next government.

According to local media in Belgium on the 12th, most industry unions expressed their intention to join a general strike as the next federal government, which is being discussed about forming a coalition, predicted pension reforms as one of its tight fiscal policies.

As most of the unions join the strike, public transportation services such as subways, trains, and buses will be drastically reduced.

According to the teachers' union, more than 20,000 teachers have expressed their intention to join the strike so far, and some schools, mainly elementary schools, are expected to close.

The union opposes 95% of the austerity measures announced by the next government, saying they were focused on budget cuts in the pension, social security and public services sectors.

In Belgium, the government's decision to step down in April last year raised the legal retirement age from 65 to 66 from January 1 this year and further strengthened requirements for proof of pension eligibility.