Violent clashes erupt in Belgium as students protest French-style budget cuts

French student unrest has crossed the border into Belgium, sparking violent clashes between police and hundreds of hooded rioters. The French-speaking community marched through streets to demand an end to severe education budget cuts. Government officials say they must save at least €10 billion over the next few years to fix a growing national deficit. Belgian pupils followed similar protests happening in France and took to the roads in various towns recently. Authorities claim up to 30,000 demonstrators flooded Brussels around 9:30 am today in what they call an unprecedented turnout. Protesters hurled cobblestones, bricks, glass bottles, fences, and traffic signs at law enforcement officers. One officer was seen removing a samurai sword from a demonstrator before the violence escalated further. Rioters gathered near Brussels Central Station, which sits right between the European Parliament and the national legislature building. Videos captured masked figures running wild near the railway hub while police watched them toss items into a fire. The crowd cheered loudly as objects burned in the inferno created by the angry mob. A lone protester threw back a tear gas canister during a labor union demonstration against federal budget measures near Brussels-South station on October 9, 2026. Police clashed with demonstrators while student protesters joined a nationwide strike against government austerity cuts in the capital city that same day. Footage showed people pushing a large dumpster toward police lines before tipping it over to create chaos. Rioters tossed wood pieces and flares at officers who held shields and batons for protection. Officers retreated as protesters launched flashbangs and smoke grenades into their ranks. Another clip featured a masked rioter pointing fireworks at police, who answered with a water cannon that sent him running away quickly. Student rioters were joined by trade unionists demanding higher taxes on wealthy earners instead of cuts to health services or VAT hikes. One voice shouted out that things are getting worse faster and people have finally had enough of the current situation.

Like the teachers, the pupils can also see that conditions are deteriorating," union representative Luc Toussaint said. He spoke during a national demonstration against the Federal Government's budgetary measures in Brussels on Friday, October 9, 2026. Rioters clashed with police as demonstrators reacted to water cannons and tear gas. One officer was seen taking a samurai sword away from a protester while others threw an electric scooter onto a burning barricade. A crowd cheered as more objects were tossed into the flames near the Brussels-South railway station.

Belgium has seen repeated rounds of strikes in recent months against efforts by Prime Minister Bart De Wever to save ten billion euros over the next few years in a bid to reduce the country's high deficit. Belgium is mired in public debt, like its neighbours France and Italy. The Flemish conservative is currently locked in protracted talks with his coalition partners to try to find a deal on the cuts by October 13. Traffic and public transport across the city were disrupted on Friday as many parts of the country were shut down or disrupted today.

Student rioters were joined by trade unionists who are unhappy with cuts to government services. Many people spoke about their frustrations with the cost of living. One protester told local media: "Everything just keeps getting more expensive. I don't even dare look at the pump anymore when I go to fill up. I have two small children; there has to be food on the table." He called for the richest of society to pay their fair share: "Get the money where it is. I am in favour of a billionaire tax. It is always sought from the people who already have almost nothing left."

Another protester echoed this sentiment: "[The government] does not have its priorities in order. It protects the rich and creates poverty. Choices are made for the richest, while people and children in poverty are left out in the cold." "I work, but I cannot make ends meet," said Marie Gobert, a single mother and social worker who came from the city of Namur with one of her daughters for the march. She told The Associated Press that school costs have just gone up along with the price of public transport and train tickets.

"I don't think I've ever been this anxious about all the measures making my daily life difficult," she said. "You can feel the social tension, you can feel anger starting to simmer everywhere," Miss Gobert said. "The education system is being dismantled and when young people want to speak out no one listens to them." The ABVV union has threatened to launch another general strike in November if it does not get its way. Protestors in Brussels washed tear gas out of each others eyes as the unrest continued.

Brussels Airport faced a sudden halt in operations as roughly 140 flights heading to and from the hub were cancelled. This disruption came after workers employed by Alyzia, the firm responsible for baggage handling, walked off the job.

Meanwhile, scenes of unrest unfolded across France where riots consumed cities and towns for several days straight. Despite the chaos on the streets, most students returned to their classrooms today. The United Nations expressed concern over these events, specifically noting that some clashes turned violent.

Since late September, tens of thousands have flooded the streets following a decision by pupils to block entrances to high schools. In response, large squads of riot police were deployed to manage the situation. These demonstrators, mostly between 15 and 18 years old, cite missing teachers, packed schedules, crumbling classrooms, and buildings failing to handle rising temperatures as their primary grievances.

The justice ministry reported that over 6,800 people have been detained since the protests began, with 86 percent of those individuals being minors. Shabia Mantoo, a spokesman for the UN human rights agency, stated they are monitoring incidents related to student blockades in France with deep concern because some have turned violent.

While most demonstrations remain peaceful, certain protesters have set fires and damaged bus shelters. Police responded by using tear gas, batons, and blast balls, actions that led rights groups and the children themselves to accuse authorities of excessive force. The government has since opened 18 internal investigations into misconduct allegations following these incidents.

The use of stun grenades proved particularly dangerous when a 15-year-old lost a hand after one was fired on Monday. The government immediately suspended the weapon's use in response to this tragedy. In Paris, police employed tear gas in Bastille square late Thursday evening to disperse individuals classified as high-risk profiles.

To calm public anger, Education Minister Edouard Geffray announced plans to deploy 3,000 substitute teachers over the coming days. This move aims to replace absent staff at the 114 worst-affected high schools. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu promised a response plan by the end of October, while Economy Minister Roland Lescure noted there is room within the tight 2027 budget to address demands for more school resources.

Public transport in Brussels suffered heavily during these nationwide strikes against government austerity measures and budget cuts. In the current draft budget, education receives the second largest funding increase after defense, gaining a boost of 1.4 percent to reach 90.9 billion euros. Of the 3,700 high schools known as lycees across France, only 141 were closed on Friday according to the education ministry. Last Friday saw approximately 800 schools shut down due to the ongoing protests.