06 / 10
Police clash with protesters in Brussels
A union march against Belgian budget cuts remained peaceful, while separate groups fought police near Brussels stations.
What happened
Thousands joined a Brussels demonstration organised by trade unions against federal austerity plans. Police said the main march ended peacefully. Separate groups threw objects at officers near Central and South stations, damaging buses and blocking roads. Police used tear gas and water cannons and made arrests.
Numbers
- 30,000participants in the national demonstration — Police estimate
- 21people arrested by Brussels police — Includes minors and adults
- 13 minorsamong those taken into custody — Police statement
Questions
- Why could action continue?
- Two unions warned of a possible general strike if the government does not yield in budget negotiations.
- What did police distinguish?
- Police separated the union-led march from the later disturbances, stating that those involved were not linked to its demands.
- What was damaged during the unrest?
- Two buses were attacked after passengers were evacuated, while bus stops, bicycles, scooters and street property were also damaged.
- How did officers respond?
- Officers used tear gas, water cannons and baton charges after groups targeted them with stones, bottles, beams and fireworks.
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The catch
Coverage does not determine whether the arrested people were responsible for specific damage or injuries.
Police accounts remain preliminary.