Police, protesters clash in Brussels
Summary
Police and protesters clashed in Brussels as tens of thousands marched against rising living costs and government budget-cutting plans. Riot police used tear gas and water cannons after some masked demonstrators threw rocks and set fires, while union leaders said their rally remained peaceful.
Key Points
- Police and protesters clashed in Brussels during a major anti-austerity rally drawing around 30,000 people.
- Masked demonstrators threw rocks and firecrackers, and set fires near the central railway station, prompting tear gas, water cannons and baton charges from riot police.
- Authorities said the violent protesters were not linked to the union-backed march, which union leaders said remained peaceful.
- The unrest followed tensions in Liege, where student clashes with police led to more than 200 arrests and dozens of injuries.
