Belgian Student Protests Spread to Brussels After Week of Unrest in Liège

Student protests over education budget cuts and reforms in Belgium's French-speaking community began in Liège on October 5 and spread to Brussels by October 9. In Liège, pupils blocked schools citing overcrowded classes of up to 35 students, teacher shortages following a workload increase from 20 to 22 periods, and rising tuition and bus costs. Peaceful blockades at schools like Athénée Léonie de Waha gave way to violent clashes involving hooded youths, arson, and over 200 arrests, prompting authorities to ban public gatherings from October 9.

On October 9, an estimated 30,000 demonstrators, including students, trade unionists, and workers, marched in Brussels against federal austerity measures aiming to save €10 billion. While unions described the march as largely peaceful, police said a minority of hooded rioters attacked officers with cobblestones, fireworks, and a samurai sword near Brussels Central Station, burning shared bikes and scooters. Riot police responded with water cannons and tear gas, causing major transport disruption.

“We lost the lesson to defend our class; education is a right, not a privilege.”

Sociologist Marie Verhoeven warned that the violence should not obscure a deeper youth malaise regarding social mobility and climate anxiety. Students say they are inspired by parallel movements in France but maintain distinct demands focused on class sizes and staffing. The government has not yet responded to the specific education demands.