Belgian police have arrested 10 people, including nine minors, following clashes involving hundreds of young people near Brussels-Midi railway station on Monday, October 12.
The unrest occurred alongside a national strike and a student gathering, with police officers reportedly targeted with stones and fireworks.
Officers deployed tear gas and water cannon as groups moved between the railway station, Place Bara and the Cureghem neighbourhood, with some dispersing into Anderlecht and Saint-Gilles before returning.
The violence forced the temporary closure of Clemenceau metro station, while a car, several scooters and street furniture were set ablaze.
Police also seized fireworks, flammable liquids and aerosol cans during the operation.
The clashes came amid growing protests against austerity measures, rising living costs and planned cuts to education funding.
Since October 1, secondary-school students have been demonstrating against proposals to save €500 million from French-speaking education by 2029.
Trade unions have also opposed Prime Minister Bart De Wever’s proposed €10 billion savings programme, which has drawn criticism amid concerns about its potential impact on public services and living standards.
In Liège, more than 200 arrests have reportedly been made since the student protests began.
Meanwhile, a separate anti-austerity march in Brussels on Friday attracted approximately 30,000 participants, according to police. The demonstration was also followed by clashes.
The latest unrest highlights mounting tensions over proposed spending cuts and their implications for students, workers and public services in Belgium.
