Arrests made after Brussels violence

Belgian police arrested 10 people, including nine minors, following clashes near Brussels-Midi station on Monday, October 12. The confrontations involved hundreds of young people and occurred amid a national strike and a student demonstration.

Violence and police response

Police reported being targeted by stone throwing and fireworks, leading to the use of tear gas and water cannons. The violence involved groups moving between Brussels-Midi station, Bara square, and the Cureghem neighborhood, with some dispersing toward Anderlecht and Saint-Gilles before returning.

Damage caused during the clashes

The Clemenceau metro station was temporarily closed, and a car, several scooters, and public furniture were set on fire. Law enforcement seized fireworks, flammable liquids, and aerosol bombs.

Context of the protests

The outbreak of violence occurs amid growing mobilization against austerity measures, rising cost of living, and cuts in education. Since October 1, secondary school students have been protesting against a plan aiming to save 500 million euros in the French-speaking education sector by 2029.

Broader anti-austerity movement

Unions also oppose the 10 billion euro austerity program proposed by Prime Minister Bart De Wever. In Liège, more than 200 arrests have been recorded since the start of the student demonstrations. In Brussels, a separate anti-austerity march brought together approximately 30,000 people on Friday, according to the police, and was also followed by clashes.