Belgian Police Fire Tear Gas as Tens of Thousands Protest Austerity in Brussels

Police in Belgium fired tear gas on Tuesday as tens of thousands of protesters filled the streets of Brussels to demonstrate against Prime Minister Bart de Wever’s proposed austerity measures and budget cuts.

The mass protest, organized by the country’s three largest trade unions, quickly escalated into a citywide general strike that brought much of Belgium’s capital to a standstill. Authorities said several dozen demonstrators were arrested following clashes with police near the city center.

Crowds waving banners, beating drums, and setting off flares marched between Brussels’ Gare du Nord and Gare du Midi train stations, chanting slogans against rising living costs and the government’s planned increase in the retirement age. Many carried placards with the number “67” crossed out — a reference to the proposed new pension age.

While unions estimated the turnout at around 150,000 people, police placed the number closer to 80,000.

The protest also disrupted transportation nationwide. Most flights at Belgium’s two main airports were grounded as part of the industrial action. At Brussels International Airport, all departures and about half of scheduled arrivals were canceled after security staff walked off the job. Meanwhile, all flights were canceled at Brussels South Charleroi Airport, roughly 60 kilometers south of the capital.

Some demonstrators dressed as zombies to symbolize the death of workers’ rights under the proposed reforms, while others set off smoke bombs as riot police moved in to disperse crowds.

Tuesday’s strike marked one of the largest demonstrations in Belgium in recent years, reflecting growing public anger over the government’s austerity policies and rising concerns about the country’s economic future.