Thousands rally for anti-austerity protest in Brussels amid clashes

Thousands of protesters gathered at Brussels South railway station to demonstrate against the Belgian federal government's austerity measures, organized by the socialist trade union. Clashes erupted near Brussels Central station as groups of young people threw objects at police, who responded with tear gas, water cannons, and baton charges. Police deployed large numbers of officers to monitor groups and check individuals not wearing union colors. Some young protesters, inspired by protests in France, voiced their frustration over the education environment and feeling unheard.