Brussels Erupts in Violence Amid General Strike
Violence erupted in Brussels on Friday, October 14, 2025, during a general strike as clashes between protesters and police escalated. Thousands of demonstrators gathered to voice their grievances, but the peaceful protest quickly turned chaotic when police deployed tear gas and water cannons against the crowd, reports 24brussels.
Witnesses described a sudden shift from a calm march to mayhem. “We were just marching peacefully and suddenly there were smoke bombs and police. I don’t get it. For maybe 10 troublemakers … they tear-gassed the entire crowd, the elderly, the children … It was shameful, an absolute disgrace,” said Rafael, a postal worker, whose eyes were red from the gas. Another participant criticized the police response: “Instead of addressing the issue, we prefer to tear-gas the entire population exercising its right to strike.”
As tensions flared, masked protesters vandalized the Immigration Office building on Pachéco Avenue. The incident was captured on video by Anneleen Van Bossuyt, Belgium’s migration minister, who condemned the actions. She stated, “The vandalism against my services has nothing to do with the right to strike. Anyone who attacks our employees or our buildings is attacking our society. My support goes out to the staff who have to endure this. Despite the massive efforts of the police, these thugs have shown their true face,” in a post on X.
Further incidents occurred in other districts of Brussels, including a confrontation at a Hilton hotel opposite the Central Train Station, where protesters threw projectiles and glass bottles at police, who retaliated with water cannons and tear gas. Political party offices for Vooruit and the Socialist Party were also targeted, displaying graffiti in protest.
Police estimates indicate that approximately 80,000 individuals participated in the protest, while Thierry Bodson, head of the socialist trade union FGTB-ABVV, claimed that the number could reach as high as 140,000. For context, a one-day general strike in 2014 attracted 100,000 demonstrators.
This story is developing, with ongoing updates expected as the situation unfolds.
