Brussels austerity march draws 30,000 as youths clash with police2026-10-09About 30,000 people joined a national strike and march in Brussels against the Belgian government’s austerity measures.The union-organized march remained peaceful, while groups of young people clashed with police near Brussels-Midi railway station.Police used water cannon and tear gas after protesters threw stones, fireworks and other objects; fires and damage to buses, bicycles and scooters were reported.The government is seeking €10 billion in savings, while unions oppose cuts affecting public services and purchasing power and call for higher taxes on top earners.Police and protesters clash in Brussels as anti-austerity rally disrupts city (Euronews)En Belgique, des dizaines de milliers de personnes manifestent à Bruxelles contre la rigueur budgétaire, le défilé émaillé de violences et de dégradations (Franceinfo)Police clash with protesters in Brussels as thousands march against spending cuts | Africanews (Africanews)Thousands flood Brussels streets as anti-austerity protests erupt into clashes with police (Fox News)A Bruxelles, des milliers de manifestants protestent contre la politique du gouvernement fédéral (Le Monde)Disturbios en Bruselas: jóvenes y policías se enfrentan en la jornada de huelga nacional contra el ajuste (Infobae)