Student riots spread to Belgium as hundreds of hooded protesters clash with cops sparking ‘total chaos’ in Brussels
Thousands of people demonstrated in Brussels against Belgium’s proposed budget cuts, with police reporting an unprecedented crowd of up to 30,000. Some protesters threw objects and fireworks at officers, set items alight and overturned a rubbish container, prompting clashes and a water-cannon response.
The protests include students and trade unionists opposing austerity measures as Prime Minister Bart De Wever’s government seeks to save at least €10 billion over the coming years to reduce the deficit. Unions are calling for higher taxes on top earners instead of cuts to public services and other measures; coalition talks are due to reach a deal by 13 October, and the ABVV union has threatened a general strike in November.
- Up to 30,000 people protested in Brussels against budget cuts.
- Some demonstrators clashed with police and set items on fire.
- Belgium aims to save at least €10 billion as unions demand alternatives.
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Belgium's government is proposing large budget cuts to reduce the country's deficit, sparking major protests in Brussels. Thousands of people, including students and trade unionists, gathered to oppose these measures, with some demonstrations turning violent as protesters clashed with police.
Prime Minister Bart De Wever's administration is seeking to save at least €10 billion over the coming years. Protesters and unions argue that the government should raise taxes on wealthy individuals instead of cutting public services and other spending programmes.
The budget proposals are being negotiated as part of coalition talks scheduled to conclude by 13 October. Unions have announced plans for a general strike in November if an agreement is not reached that addresses their concerns.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Governments have a fiscal responsibility to control deficits and ensure long-term economic sustainability. High deficits erode investor confidence, increase borrowing costs, and burden future generations with unsustainable debt. Disciplined spending rather than endless tax rises encourages efficient government and creates predictable conditions for business investment and growth. Structural reforms to public finances ensure services remain viable rather than nominally preserved whilst deficits accumulate.
The case against
Austerity measures disproportionately burden ordinary citizens and vulnerable populations who depend most heavily on public services, whilst permitting high earners to avoid additional contributions. Progressive taxation on top earners is fairer and economically sounder, as public investment in education, healthcare and social infrastructure strengthens long-term growth. Austerity has repeatedly proven counterproductive, reducing consumer spending and tax revenues, thereby worsening rather than improving deficits.