Thousands of protesters clashed with police and rampaged through the streets of Brussels on Wednesday as demonstrations over education cuts descended into violent disorder in the heart of the Belgian capital.
Footage from the scene showed masked demonstrators hurling fireworks, setting fires in the road and smashing property as riot police deployed water cannons in an attempt to regain control of the city centre.
At least 1,000 people gathered in Brussels to protest against planned austerity measures affecting French-language education, but the atmosphere quickly turned hostile as groups of protesters confronted officers and caused widespread damage.
Videos shared online showed thick smoke billowing through the streets as fires burned in the middle of roads, while large crowds surged through the city centre amid chaotic scenes.
The unrest erupted near Brussels Central Station, prompting police to urge members of the public to avoid the area. Authorities said demonstrators set fire to bicycle racks and other street furniture before launching fireworks during clashes with officers.
Police and firefighters were dispatched to the scene, with water cannon used to disperse crowds as violence escalated. Public transport services were also disrupted, with routes through Koningsstraat suspended and trains no longer stopping at Park metro station.
At one stage protesters forced their way into the parliament building of Belgium’s French-speaking Community, where smoke bombs were reportedly set off before riot police intervened.
The demonstrations stem from growing anger over plans to cut spending on French-language education by €300 million over the coming years. Under the proposals, secondary school teachers would be required to teach an additional two hours each week without extra pay, while the system of permanent appointments would also be overhauled.
University and college enrolment fees are also set to rise significantly, while investment in the renovation of older school buildings would be reduced. Critics have accused the government of Belgium’s French-speaking Community of pushing the legislation through parliament using a fast-track procedure, with opponents claiming the process is undemocratic.
By late afternoon the crowds had begun to disperse, leaving behind damaged property, burnt debris and a heavy police presence across parts of the Belgian capital.
