Belgian police used water cannon in an attempt to disperse tens of thousands of people who flooded Brussels on Tuesday to protest Prime Minister Bart de Wever’s proposed austerity measures.
Police use a water cannon against protestors during a demonstration and general strike in Brussels, Tuesday, Oct.
Two men hold a sign with a photo of Belgium’s Prime Minister Bart De Wever, which reads ‘Pension Theft’, during a demonstration and general strike in Brussels, Tuesday, Oct.
People march with signs crossed out with the number 67, referring to pension age, during a demonstration and general strike in Brussels, Tuesday, Oct.
Demonstrators hold signs with photos of Belgian politicians which reads ‘keep quiet, work and pay’, during a general strike in Brussels, Tuesday, Oct.
BRUSSELS () — Belgian police used tear gas and a water cannon in an attempt to disperse tens of thousands of people who flooded Brussels on Tuesday to protest Prime Minister Bart De Wever’s proposed austerity measures.
Minor scuffles broke out between police and protesters, some of whom played drums and horns and set off flares and smoke bombs, while chanting against cuts to social welfare programs.
The unusually large protest crippled traffic in the heart of the Belgian capital, blocking major roads.
Strikes led to most flights being canceled at Brussels’ airport.
Organizers estimated more than 150,000 people joined the demonstration, while the police put the crowd at 80,000.
Police vehicles chasing protesters were seen to smash up bicycles.
The political importance lies in whether the issue moves from public comment into formal action, party response, court record, election authority notice or administrative decision.
