Brussels austerity rally ends amid clashes; around 20 suspects detained

Tens of thousands joined a march against budget cuts. Police reported clashes after the procession and said about 20 suspects had been detained.

The national action took place in Brussels on October 9 as Prime Minister Bart De Wever negotiated with coalition partners. The government is discussing €10 billion in savings by the end of its term in 2029 to reduce a deficit exceeding 5% of gross domestic product.

Police said officers used water cannons and tear gas after objects were thrown at them. A rubbish container and electric scooters were set alight near Brussels-Midi station in the early afternoon, and a bus was damaged.

Police said the people involved in the unrest were not connected to the union protest’s demands or to the march itself. A preliminary police tally put the number of suspects detained at about 20, most of them minors. The Associated Press also reported that police and organizers gave different estimates for the peaceful march: about 30,000 and 50,000 people, respectively.

The action was called by the country’s two largest trade unions amid a dispute over the budget and spending cuts. Independent reports also confirmed that police used water cannons and tear gas after clashes with groups of young people.