Students clash with police in Brussels as tens of thousands join Belgium’s austerity strike

Tens of thousands of trade union members took part in a day of strikes in Belgium on Friday, protesting against planned austerity measures. Police fought with high school students who joined the demonstration, and at least 20 arrests were made.

Al Jazeera’s Rosie Birchard says things escalated quickly in Brussels, with fires started and scuffles with police. Many of the young protesters say they were inspired by the protests in France, and are angry about conditions in their schools.

Not everyone backs the methods used. One student said it was sad to see people throwing things at police. An older man called the vandalism unnecessary.

The government says the measures are essential to increase growth and make savings, as Belgium’s deficit is one of the highest in the EU. Protesters say those priorities are wrong.

Al Jazeera’s Rosie Birchard reports from Brussels.

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