Liège saw a sharp escalation in student protests on Monday, October 5, as demonstrations against education reforms and budget cuts turned violent in parts of the Belgian city.
Students had gathered outside several schools earlier in the day, blocking entrances and calling for changes to the education system. The protests were initially largely peaceful, with demonstrators holding placards, chanting slogans and disrupting access to schools including Saint-Barthélemy College and Léonie de Waha secondary school.
Tensions later spread into central Liège, where groups of protesters threw stones and other objects at police, damaged street furniture and set fires. A bus shelter and other public infrastructure were damaged or destroyed, while firefighters were called to deal with several fires. Police responded with tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds.
Local police said 30 people were arrested during the unrest, including 23 administrative arrests and seven judicial arrests. Eighteen police officers were reported to have suffered minor injuries during clashes.
The protests are linked to reforms and budget cuts introduced by Belgium’s French Community Government as it seeks to address financial pressures. Student demonstrations over the changes have continued for months, while similar education-related protests have also spread across neighbouring France.
Related: Students Pay the Price as Sweida Standoff Continues
The violence in Liège has raised concerns over the impact of the unrest on schools and public services, although many students taking part in the demonstrations remained peaceful. Authorities are now facing pressure to address students’ concerns while preventing further disruption and violence.
