Belgian police battle Brussels and Liège demonstrators protesting living costs

Security forces and demonstrators clashed in the Belgian cities of Brussels and Liège on Saturday during widespread protests over the rising cost of living in Europe. According to Euronews, police deployed water cannons to disperse crowds after participants threw water bottles and other objects at officers. Belgian Interior Minister Bernard Quintin condemned the disturbances on X, describing the confrontations as “pure and simple violence, organised and repeated to destabilise our society.” Labeling the violent participants “rioters,” Quintin declared that the events in Brussels were no longer a mere protest. He confirmed that federal police were supporting local officers and warned that “all necessary means will be used to restore order in the face of the rioters.” High energy bills and stubborn inflation have squeezed household budgets across Western Europe this autumn, turning local grievances into broader economic rallies.

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Mounting unrest and mass detentions in France

Neighbouring France faced parallel turmoil after student rallies over poor school infrastructure and alleged education budget cuts grew into nationwide demonstrations against fuel prices and shrinking purchasing power. French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez told France 24 that 5,50,000 people marched across the country, including 1,10,000 in Paris, while police arrested 400 protesters for vandalism. French President Emmanuel Macron vowed strict punishment on X for individuals who attacked prefectures, damaged businesses, and looted town halls, calling for unity against “sowers of chaos.” Students have protested for weeks over “deplorable” school conditions and excessive police force. French media reported that former figures from the 2018 Yellow Vest movement plan to back the students. That earlier campaign against fuel taxes and economic inequality involved rubber bullets and clashes that injured over 2,500 protesters and 1,800 police personnel.

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Italian leadership condemns street destruction

In Italy, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni denounced violent demonstrations across major cities after rallies organized by the “Italy in the Square” committee resulted in severe clashes, mass detentions, and property damage, Rai News reported. Writing on X, Meloni praised the thousands of peaceful citizens who joined the CGIL mobilization alongside left-wing leaders, noting that democratic participation is vital, but political violence will not be tolerated.