Protesters clash with police in Brussels as anti-government demonstrations spread across Europe

Belgian student groups have said they are protesting against rising education costs. The protests are partly inspired by demonstrations in neighboring France.

Several hundred mostly young people protested in Brussels on Saturday, with rioters clashing with police in unrest partly inspired by demonstrations in neighboring France.

Belgian student groups have said they are protesting against rising education costs and reforms they fear will make higher education less accessible.

Demonstrators gathered in central Brussels, many wearing masks and chanting anti-fascist slogans. Police used tear gas and water cannons, while some protesters overturned a car, according to a Reuters witness.

Belgian Interior Minister Bernard Quintin said in a post on X/Twitter that "what is unfolding in Brussels is no longer mere protest" and "all necessary means will be used to restore order in the face of the rioters."

A protest also took place in the eastern city of Liège, where students earlier this month demonstrated over the French-language education system, citing rising education costs and difficulties accessing study materials.

Unrest sparked by protests across France

The unrest in France began last month as protests over education funding and school conditions before broadening into a wider movement centered on inequality, public spending and living standards. Similar protests also spread to Albania.

On Saturday, French authorities said 140 protests involving 32,800 people had been recorded outside Paris by midday and blamed the unrest on what they described as the "ultra-left".

Violent incidents were reported in several cities, including vandalism in Marseille and attacks targeting police, media, and public buildings, the Interior Ministry said.