Brussels police arrested several dozen people today during a union demonstration marking the national day of action. Belgian unions are protesting against the federal government’s pensions and labour market reforms. An estimated 80,000 people demonstrated in Brussels today.
Brussels police arrest dozens of protesters during union demo (VIDEO)
Colin Clapson
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Police responded with water cannon and tear gas after a minority of protesters threw projectiles, paint bombs and firecrackers at the Immigration Office building on Pachecolaan.
‘We regret that vandalism has been resorted to in the context of the national day of action,’ a spokesperson for the Brussels Capital Elsene police zone said.
Police deploy water cannon
Demonstrators is still facing off with the police near the Pacheco Centre in the Brussels downtown. Because the protesters refused to go leave, police decided to deploy water cannon.
Elsewhere electric scooters, bicycles and traffic signs lay strewn across the street.
Minister Van Bossuyt condemns vandalism at Immigration department
During the demonstration masked individuals attacked the immigration department building on Pachecolaan. Asylum and migration minister Anneleen Van Bossuyt (Flemish nationalist N-VA) has already voiced her indignation.
Footage shared by the minister on social media shows masked individuals dressed in black targeting the office. Several windows and the glass entrance door were damaged. A burning object was also thrown into the entrance hall. Those present appear to have escaped unharmed.
“The aggression and vandalism against my service have nothing to do with the right to strike. This is unprecedented,” Van Bossuyt responds. “Anyone who attacks our employees or destroys public buildings is attacking our society.”
Earlier demonstrators hurled balls at effigies of PM De Wever and deputy premiers Jambon and Prévot mimicking a fairground attraction.
