Police used water cannon against left-wing protesters who were demonstrating againt the French far-right leader Jordan Bardella's visit to Brussels yesterday. The leader of the Rassemblement National was presenting his book "Ce que je cherche" (What I'm Looking For) in the Belgian and Flemish capital. The tome has been out since last week and has already caused some commotion south of the border. After demonstrators dispersed offices of the far right Vlaams Belang party on the Madouplein were also attacked.
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French far right leader Jordan Bardella's visit to Brussels triggers violent protests (VIDEO)
Colin Clapson
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Mr Bardella’s Brussels book launch took place in the Hungarian House (Magyar Ház), which is located in the Wetstraat, Belgium’s political heart. The building was purchased by the Hungarian government 3 years ago, in the run-up to the Hungarian presidency of the European Union.
Outside the building left-wing organisations demonstrated against Mr Bardella's arrival. Around 6 p.m., several hundred demonstrators had gathered, Brussels media outlet BRUZZ reports. The demonstration has been linked to Antifascist Co-ordination Belgium (CAB), the Université Populaire de Bruxelles, Réseau Ades and the Liege Antifascist Front.
At one point, the atmosphere became very tense. Slogans were chanted against the police and demonstrators tried to break through a barrier. Fireworks were also thrown. The police used water cannon and teargas against demonstrators on several occasions. Demonstrators then left the Wetstraat, but moved to other locations in Brussels.
Some ten people were seen throwing traffic signs and rubbish bins at the headquarters of the far right Vlaams Belang party trying to enter the building. Images shared on X by party leader Tom Van Grieken show them trying to break down a door.
Police spokesperson Van de Keere says several demonstrators tried to enter the building, but that officers prevented that.
Some one hundred protesters then headed for the European District hampering the traffic with traffic signs they had got hold of, rubbish bins and crush barriers.
Police say in all some 40 arrests were made and identifying who caused the material damage is the subject of an investigation.
The protests caused considerable disruption to traffic and public transport with bus services being cancelled and the Park metro station closed by order of the police.