Violent clashes between protesters and police have taken to the streets of Belgium as the country's largest unions protested against federal budget plans. The demonstrations have been marred by arrests, with authorities using tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds. More than 100 people have been arrested during the incidents, which came on the heels of a nationwide strike called by the CSC-ACV and FGTB-ABVV unions. Thousands of workers joined the march, which also passed by the headquarters of the ruling parties.

The clashes began near the Central Railway Station, before the union march began. According to the regional police, officers intervened to disperse the crowd and made several arrests.

Protests also against cuts in education
Students have also been involved in the demonstrations, who have been protesting for several days against budget cuts for education and the problems they face in educational institutions. Protests accompanied by incidents have taken place in the city of Liège, where students oppose overcrowding in classes and difficulties in securing educational resources in the French-speaking system of Belgium.

According to reports, during the clashes, students caused damage and threw Molotov cocktails at security forces. Sources mention hundreds of arrests in protest-related incidents, while the situation remains tense.

The protests are also linked to the increase in tuition fees for students in French-speaking regions, from 835 euros to 1,194 euros. Protesters are demanding a change in policies that, according to them, are making education more difficult to afford. The cost of living crisis and rising energy costs have added pressure on the education budget, further fueling the discontent of staff and students.