Traffic disruption is expected across the Brussels-Capital Region as Belgium's 3 main unions stage a demo against the De Wever I government's reforms. It is advisable to avoid travelling to the centre of Brussels by car today, police say. Homeworking is an option for many.
Union concerns include pension and labour market reforms as well as fears the automatic index-linked top-up of wages and benefits could be frozen in an attempt to get Belgium to meet budgetary targets. The protest march started from the North Station at 10.45 a.m. Union sources speak of over 100,000 participants. The police figure is 80,000. Demonstrators are marching towards the South Station, via Brussels Central Station.
The police advise avoiding the following areas: North Station – Koning Albert II-laan – Kruidtuinlaan – Pachecolaan – de Berlaimontlaan – Keizerinlaan – Keizerslaan – Cellebroersstraat – Bogaardenstraat – Maurice Lemonnierlaan – Zuidlaan – Zuidstation.South Station.
Demonstrators converged on the North Station in Brussels before setting out on the demo.
Riot police intervene at one point
During the demonstration, masked participants clashed with the police in the Pachecolaan. Riot police immediately intervened, using tear gas.
Several people were injured and are receiving treatment. The police have arrested a number of participants, according to a reporter of the Belga news agency on the scene.
Our handy map shows where to expect issues in the downtown while travelling by car or public transport.
Police confirm vandalism and arson
The police have confirmed that several demonstrators caused damage this morning.
‘There were cases of arson, which caused traffic disruption in Brussels’. Several people were arrested.
Photos show the damage, including construction site hoardings, scooters and fences that were set on fire.