Clashes Continue in the Struggle for Better Living Conditions in Belgium

Featured image: Barricades erected during protests for better living conditions in Brussels, Belgium. Source: Nicolas Maeterlinck

As part of the ongoing protests raging throughout the world, the struggles continue on the streets of Belgium. On October 24, a mobilization was carried out in Brussels, Belgium, against the rising cost of living, and for increased funding to education, as well as against the police violence faced by the movement.

Around 400 people gathered in Place de l’Albertine calling for better purchasing power, healthcare, education funding and reforms and public services. Calls for a general strike on November 17 were also raised. A march started towards the Reformist Movement (MR) Party headquarters, but was blocked by the police, after which clashes broke out. The police attacked the demonstration with pepper-spray and with water cannons, to which the protesters reacted by erecting burning barricades, attempted to break through the police line. According to reports, 9 people were detained.