Brussels youth protest draws large police presence

Hundreds of young people gathered peacefully today at Brussels Central Station, singing antifascist songs and chanting slogans against the police, who deployed a strong security presence in the area. The protest occurred without clashes despite some access points being blocked. Teachers and unionists joined the group, according to the Belga news agency, and the protest included a march toward Brussels-South station mid-morning. Another group of young people gathered at Liège station, contesting education cuts, working conditions, public services, and social inequality. Calls for protests in the Belgian capital were spread on social media Friday, including francophone students linked to "yellow vest" movements in France. Brussels Mayor Philippe Close stated that none of Saturday's planned demonstrations had official authorization.