What controversial government bill sparked the massive five-week winter general strike of 1960-1961 across Belgium?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. The Single Law (Loi unique / Eenheidswet) imposing fiscal austerity and social cuts
Answer: The Single Law (Loi unique / Eenheidswet) imposing fiscal austerity and social cuts. Why not the others: Wage indexation was already an established collective bargaining practice; the language laws were enacted in 1962-1963; NATO headquarters moved to Brussels in 1967.
- Step 1: Following the independence of the Belgian Congo in 1960, the government of Gaston Eyskens introduced an austerity program to balance public finances.
- Step 2: The Loi unique sparked an immense general strike led by socialist trade unionist André Renard, paralyzing Walloon steelworks and transport for weeks and highlighting regional economic divergence.
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