Belgian police clash with protesters as cost-of-living rallies turn violent in Brussels and Liege

Protesters clashed with police in Brussels and Liege on Saturday as cost-of-living rallies turned violent, with authorities using water cannons and tear gas to disperse crowds. Belgian Interior Minister Bernard Quintin condemned the unrest as "pure and simple violence" aimed at destabilizing society, pledging all necessary measures to restore order. The protests follow weeks of high school student demonstrations against rising education costs in Belgium, mirroring similar student rallies in France over teacher shortages and overcrowded classrooms. In Paris, a Euronews crew was assaulted by masked looters near Place de la Republique while covering demonstrations, though a separate march toward Place de Clichy remained peaceful. The violence marks an escalation of broader European unrest over economic pressures and education funding.