Belgian police counted 80,000 demonstrators in the national trade union demo in Brussels this morning. The demo is the culmination of today’s national day of action called by Belgium’s three big unions in protest against federal and Flemish government austerity measures. PM De Wever (Flemish nationalist N-VA) has meanwhile responded positively to the unions' call for fresh consultations.
80,000 people in national trade union demo in Brussels, police charge at protesters (VIDEO)
Colin Clapson
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Prime Minister De Wever: ‘Our duty is to stay on course’
It is the duty of the federal government to stay on course with its reform agenda Belgian prime minister Bart De Wever (Flemish nationalist N-VA) said during prime minister’s question time in parliament. He was responding to questions about the national trade union demonstration in Brussels today.
De Wever says that there is ‘no other choice’ but to implement substantial reforms, ‘because the budgetary problem we have inherited is enormous’. He emphasises that this will always be done in consultation. The prime minister responded positively to the trade unions’ request for new consultations.
Police counted 80,000 demonstrators. The socialist trade union ABVV speaks of 100,000 demonstrators. The turnout equals participation at the previous national trade union demonstration in October 2025.
Police carry out charge against demonstrators
At Kunst-Wet intersection on the inner-city Brussels orbital ‘Kleine Ring’, near the American embassy, police charged at a group of demonstrators to disperse them.
‘At one point, the group in question stood face to face with the police and the police charged using tear gas,’ said VRT’s Tess Dekeersgieter.
‘The demonstrators were driven back and are now continuing on the route.’
Francophone demonstrators chanted 'Everybody hates the police' and 'Whores' (VIDEO).
Fifty arrests
Around noon, a small group of people gathered in front of the Beobank building on the Regentlaan near the Madou intersection. ‘Our teams immediately intervened to prevent further damage and restore public order,’ said the police. Around 50 people were arrested during the intervention. The demonstration was generally peaceful, apart from a few minor disturbances.