Brussels Protests Turn Violent: Police Clash with Students and Teachers Over Education Decree

Brussels experienced two days of significant tension as thousands protested an education decree, leading to clashes with police. The demonstration, which began with scattered groups converging on the European Parliament, escalated with sporadic confrontations and vandalism.

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The police explain to people to go one way, then another. They block certain streets. We don't understand anything.

Near Gare Centrale, a fire broke out as unidentified individuals set alight a pile of bicycles, scooters, and signs. Police, appearing outnumbered, attempted to intervene amidst the chaos, while firefighters faced difficulties reaching the scene. Fireworks and firecrackers added to the confusion.

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Everything was going super well, yet the police immediately arrived with the water cannon without justification. This created a tense atmosphere.

The situation deteriorated further in the afternoon when police attempted to disperse crowds near the parliament. Reports indicate the use of batons and tear gas against demonstrators, including adolescents, resulting in panic and arrests. Some students experienced distress, with one student collapsing. Despite the unrest, other protest contingents maintained calmer marches, chanting slogans and expressing their discontent.

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The anger will not subside; I haven't seen a mobilization of this magnitude since the strikes of 1996.