Brussels gripped by violent riots (VIDEO)
On Friday, October 9, a mass demonstration against government plans to cut public spending took place in Brussels. A peaceful march organized by trade unions escalated into clashes with police near Brussels-South station. Security forces used water cannons and tear gas. By evening, the number of detainees exceeded 100.
On Friday, October 9, a mass demonstration took place in Brussels against the Belgian government's plans to cut public spending. According to police estimates, about 30,000 people participated in the action. The demonstration was organized by trade unions, which fear that the planned austerity measures will hit workers, pensioners, and low-income families the hardest. Participants opposed possible changes to the wage indexation system, value-added tax, and other measures that could reduce the purchasing power of the population. Students also joined the protest, opposing cuts to education funding and increases in tuition fees. Initially, the demonstration proceeded peacefully, but later clashes with police began near Brussels-South railway station. Some participants threw objects and fireworks at police. Security forces used water cannons and tear gas. Police emphasized that the unrest occurred separately from the main trade union march, which remained peaceful. Initially, police reported 21 detainees, including 13 minors. By Friday evening, the number of detainees exceeded 100. No confirmed data on the number of casualties was available.