# Student and labor protests in France and Belgium > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/student-protests-in-france-and-belgium > Updated: 2026-10-10T08:07:08.000Z. Sources: 69. Developments: 4. Student and labor protests in France and Belgium have escalated into widespread civil disorder. In Belgium, national mobilizations involving approximately 30,000 to 50,000 people in Brussels alone have targeted federal government austerity measures, proposed tax increases, and labor reforms aimed at achieving 10 billion euros in savings by 2029 to address a budget deficit exceeding 5% of GDP. While major union marches have been reported as peaceful, violence has erupted near the Brussels-Central, Brussels-South, and European Parliament areas. Masked rioters, including a group of approximately 2,000 youths, have engaged in street violence by throwing stones, bottles, cobblestones, and fireworks at police. Protesters have also set fire to bicycles, electric scooters, trash bins, buses, and banks. In response, riot police have deployed water cannons, tear gas, and helicopter support to disperse crowds. Authorities have reported a significant increase in detentions. While initial reports indicated 21 individuals were detained, subsequent updates state that 110 individuals were held, consisting of 30 judicial arrests and 80 administrative detentions, many of whom are minors. Several police officers have been injured during the unrest. Interior Minister Bernard Quintin stated that those responsible for damaging public property and clashing with police would face legal consequences. In Liège, the situation has intensified with reports of arson, broken storefronts, and attacks on police. In response to the severe disorder, Liège Mayor Willy Demeyer has implemented an indefinite ban on public gatherings of more than three people. To address student grievances regarding education budget cuts and rising tuition fees, Education Minister Valérie Glatigny has proposed creating dedicated communication channels within schools to allow students to relay concerns directly to her office. ## Claims - Police used water cannons and tear gas to manage crowds. (corroborated by 17 sources) - Protesters in Brussels used fireworks, stones, and trash bins against police. (corroborated by 16 sources) - The FGTB and CSC unions organized protests against federal budget austerity measures, tax increases, and labor reforms. (corroborated by 15 sources) - Authorities arrested over 100 individuals during demonstrations in Belgium. (corroborated by 11 sources) - Students in Liege protested against education budget cuts and rising tuition fees. (corroborated by 8 sources) - Two of Belgium’s largest labor unions called for a nationwide strike on Friday. (corroborated by 8 sources) - Approximately 140 flights were cancelled at Brussels Airport due to ground handling staff participation in strikes. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Approximately 30,000 people participated in the national protest. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The center-right government aims to achieve 10 billion euros in savings by the end of its mandate in 2029. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The city of Liege prohibited gatherings of more than three people. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Tuition fees for the French-speaking community in Belgium are increasing from 835 euros to 1,194 euros. (corroborated by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-10: Brussels protests against austerity measures turn violent Protests against Belgian austerity measures in Brussels turned violent, resulting in 110 detentions and clashes between police and demonstrators near major train stations. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brussels-protests-against-austerity-measures-turn-violent ### 2026-10-07: Belgium protests against austerity lead to violent clashes Violent clashes erupted in Brussels during national strikes against Belgian government austerity. Police used tear gas and water cannons to manage protesters, resulting in over 100 arrests and major transport. 49 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/belgium-faces-transport-disruptions-and-student-protests ### 2026-10-05: Belgium student protests escalate in Liège over education reforms Students in Belgium's French-speaking community are protesting against rising tuition fees and poor school conditions, leading to violent clashes and numerous arrests in cities like Liège. 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lige-student-protests-escalate-into-violent-clashes ### 2026-10-01: Liège schools face closures and unrest amid student protests Student protests in Liège have led to dozens of school closures and six arrests following reports of vandalism and projectile throwing. Students are demanding smaller class sizes and more teacher support. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lige-schools-face-closures-and-unrest-amid-student-protests --- Cite as: Student and labor protests in France and Belgium. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/student-protests-in-france-and-belgium