Clashes broke out in central Brussels on Thursday as students and pupils joined protests against planned education reforms by Belgium’s French Community government.
The demonstrations began earlier in the week, led by teachers opposing budget cuts and changes to working conditions in French-language education. By Thursday, hundreds of students had joined the action, increasing the size of the protest in the Belgian capital.
The situation deteriorated in several parts of the city centre. Footage from the scene showed fires being lit and damage caused to bicycles, street signs and shopfronts near Brussels-Central station. Police advised the public to avoid the area around the station as debris was left across parts of the city centre.
Officers used tear gas and water cannon to disperse crowds and prevent further disorder. Roads were also blocked around key political buildings, including the residence of Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever and the parliament of the French Community, where lawmakers were debating and voting on the reform package.
The proposed measures include an increase in annual higher education tuition fees from €835 to €1,194 for most students. The government says the rise is part of a wider cost-cutting drive and would bring fees closer to those in Dutch-speaking universities.
Other measures include requiring some secondary school teachers to take on two extra classroom hours per week without additional pay, as well as changes to tenure rules.
Belgian media reported that, shortly after 2pm, a group of demonstrators tried to enter the parliament building as lawmakers were voting on the bill. Police prevented them from reaching the chamber and pushed them back from the entrances.
Other protesters gathered near police barriers on Rue de la Loi, close to the prime minister’s residence, before moving towards northern parts of the city. Smoke flares were lit and traffic was disrupted on central roads.
The unrest prompted political reaction. Georges-Louis Bouchez, president of the centre-right Reformist Movement, accused teachers of encouraging students to join the protests. Speaking to public broadcaster VRT, he said he understood the concerns of teachers, but described the involvement of young people in the tensions as unacceptable.
French Community government leader Elisabeth Degryse defended the measures, saying public finances were under pressure and the government was facing a projected €1.9 billion deficit. Education Minister Valérie Glatigny said the aim was to free up money for reinvestment in the sector.
The unrest caused major disruption to transport in Brussels, with traffic congestion reported in several areas and residents forced to find alternative routes.
Despite the clashes, the parliamentary process continued, with the reform remaining at the centre of a dispute that is expected to continue in the coming days.
Source: naftemporiki.gr
