Paris violent protests even in Brussels, about 400 arrested

At least 1,000 police officers were deployed for the management of street protests, but they had to use tear gas and water pumps to protesters following failed efforts to keep the situation under control.

The areas where the European Commission and European Parliament buildings are located were surrounded by an increased police presence, while film footage ending on social networks showed protesters clashed with police outside the EP.

Police had placed barricades in all European institutions of key importance, while the passage of pedestrians or vehicles was banned as a precautionary measure.

Brussels police reported that demonstrators had gathered in two main areas of the Belgian capital, “Artis Lois” and “Porte de Namur”. The police spokeswoman said the “s at least 70 persons were arrested after raids exercised to prevent violence”.

A Belgian news agency also reported that new protesters blocked a highway linking Brussels with Rekkemi in Flanders, the region near the border with France.

The Belgium movement, inspired by protests in France over the past month, voiced complaints to protesters about living costs, which also called for the removal of the centre-right government coalition in Belgium, just six months before the national elections held in May.