Protesters clash with police in Brussels as unions and students march - Reuters

On Friday, a protest in Brussels turned violent when police confronted a small group of demonstrators. The clash occurred in the city centre as law‑enforcement officers attempted to contain the gathering.

The demonstration was organised by trade unions and was joined by hundreds of students, forming part of a nationwide strike. Participants marched through the streets to voice opposition to the government’s planned budget cuts.

Unions say the proposed cuts would affect public services and workers, prompting the national strike that brought together labour groups and student organisations. The strike is intended to pressure the government to reconsider the fiscal measures.

Police reported that a small contingent of protesters tried to breach a police line, leading to confrontations. Several arrests were made and a number of officers sustained injuries during the incident.

Authorities have not released a full statement on the total number of injuries or the next steps in the investigation, but the episode underscores the tension surrounding the upcoming budget reforms.