Thousands rally for anti-austerity protest in Brussels amid clashes
Protests against government austerity measures in Brussels turned violent as clashes erupted between police and demonstrators. Authorities used tear gas and water cannons to disperse groups accused of causing public disorder.
Why it matters
The unrest highlights growing social and economic tensions in Europe regarding government fiscal policies and public sector funding.
Belgian police respond to ‘troublemakers’ on sidelines of main rally with tear gas, water cannon and baton charges.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info A protester prepares to launch a tear gas canister during a labour union-based demonstration against the federal government's budgetary measures near the Brussels South railway station in Belgium on Friday [AFP] By Al Jazeera Staff , Anadolu and AP Published On 9 Oct 2026 9 Oct 2026 Clashes have erupted near Brussels Central station on the sidelines of a demonstration organised by the country’s socialist trade union against the federal government’s austerity plans.
As thousands of protesters gathered at the station on Friday, a smaller group clashed with the police and threw wooden beams, glass bottles and rubbish bins, The Belgian Times reported.
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