Student Protest in Brussels Turns Violent After Demonstrators Set Fires Near Central Station

A protest by students and teachers against proposed education reforms in Belgium's French Community turned violent in central Brussels on June 4. Demonstrators gathered near the French Community parliament building before marching toward Brussels-Central station, where some set fire to barriers, bicycles, and other objects.

Federal police reported multiple incidents in the city center that disrupted parts of the metro network. Brussels police stated that a group of youths took over the demonstration and sought confrontation with officers.

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State Department advised American citizens to avoid central Brussels and to leave the area if they encountered a protest. The advisory noted the possibility of clashes elsewhere in the city. Footage shared on social media showed fires and smoke near the main train station, with some reports of objects thrown at emergency responders.

Access to the station was restricted during the afternoon. The French Community government had proposed raising annual university tuition from €835 to €1,194 and requiring some secondary-school teachers to work two additional unpaid hours per week. The measures were under debate in parliament at the time of the protest.