Massive Protests Erupt in Brussels Over Budget Cuts and Rising Living Costs
Thousands of people took to the streets of Brussels on Friday to demonstrate against the Belgian government’s budget-tightening measures and the growing cost of living. The protests, which were largely organized by two of the country’s biggest labor unions, turned chaotic at times, leading to clashes with police.
At the central railway station in Brussels, many young protesters wearing black and masks were seen throwing rocks and firecrackers at law enforcement. Several fires were started, including one where a man was photographed setting an electric scooter ablaze.
In response to the unrest, riot police deployed tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds, contributing to heavy traffic in the area. Authorities reported that some of the violence stemmed from people not connected to the main anti-austerity protest, which drew approximately 30,000 attendees.
Union leaders have condemned the violent actions, clarifying that those causing the trouble were not part of their organized movement. A new public-sector walkout is scheduled for Monday.
Among those who marched peacefully in support of the unions were individuals dressed in red or green. Marie Gobert, a single mother and social worker from Namur, attended the rally voicing her struggles to make ends meet amid rising prices for education and public transport.
“You can feel the social tension, you can feel anger starting to simmer everywhere,” Gobert said. She expressed concern about the education system being altered in ways that disregard student voices.
The unrest comes as the French Community government in Belgium recently raised standard university tuition fees by about 43%, part of broader budget-cutting strategies aimed at addressing economic issues. This decision has sparked considerable frustration, particularly among students, leading to protests, including some that happened earlier this summer.
In recent days, protests also erupted in Liège, where many students gathered to voice concerns over similar issues. Local reports indicate that more than 100 students were arrested during these events.
The wave of protests highlights the growing discontent among Belgians regarding government policies aimed at managing the country’s finances amidst rising living costs.
