Thousands protest Belgium austerity as clashes erupt in Brussels

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 19:25 · Archive

Thousands of people protested Belgian government austerity measures in Brussels on Friday, with smaller groups clashing with police.

Thousands of people marched through Brussels on Friday to protest the Belgian government's austerity measures and rising cost of living. Two of Belgium's largest labour unions organised the main demonstration, which drew an estimated 30,000 participants and proceeded peacefully.

However, clashes erupted near Brussels Central station when smaller groups of masked demonstrators threw rocks, firecrackers, wooden beams, glass bottles and rubbish bins at riot police. Protesters also set several fires, including an electric scooter. Police responded with tear gas, water cannons and baton charges, with an acrid smell of burning and tear gas lingering in the air.

Police and union leaders distanced themselves from the violence, stating those responsible were not affiliated with the main anti-austerity movement. Al Jazeera reported that some young protesters said they were inspired by school protests in France and wanted to speak about education. Marie Gobert, a single mother and social worker who came from Namur for the march, told the Associated Press she could not make ends meet and was preoccupied by rising costs of schools, public transport and train tickets.

The clashes followed a week of tension in Liege, where authorities had banned gatherings after students clashed with police and vandalised shops. More than 200 people were arrested in Liege, and dozens of police were injured. The labour unions have also planned a separate public-sector walkout for Monday.

How it is being reported

• Thousands flood Brussels streets as anti-austerity protests erupt into clashes with policeMasked agitators clashed with riot police in Brussels as thousands of others marched against Belgium's austerity measures and cost of living crisis.Fox News · 9 Oct, 18:48
• Thousands rally for anti-austerity protest in Brussels amid clashesBelgian police respond to 'troublemakers' on sidelines of main rally with tear gas, water cannon and baton charges.Al Jazeera · 9 Oct, 17:07

In this story: Brussels · Belgium · Liege · France

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