A major protest by students and teachers against education reforms to French-language universities in Belgium turned violent on Thursday.
Demonstrators numbering over a thousand gathered in the center of the city to oppose austerity measures, including a planned rise in university tuition fees from €835 to around €1,194 and increased teaching hours without extra pay. The government aims to save €300 million in the education sector.
The demonstration, largely peaceful at first, escalated near Brussels Central Station. Protesters set fire to barriers, bicycles, and e-scooters, smashed windows, and vandalised street furniture. Police responded with tear gas and water cannons, making several arrests. Authorities urged the public to avoid the area.
