Several injured after national demonstration in Belgium

About 10 people were injured in the incidents after the national demonstration against government policy on Tuesday in Belgium.

The incidents occurred at the end of the national event, around the Gare du Midi in Brussels. Thugs have launched projectiles to the police who responded by using water cannons.

Sixteen people and three policemen would have been injured and taken to hospital, reported local media.

According to Belgian media, one of the wounded would be Commissioner Pierre Vandermissen who is responsible for security arrangements. Police reportedly arrested 23 people (21 administrative arrests and 2 judicial arrests). Police said they are not unionists.

Nearly 60,000 demonstrators, according to official police figures, gathered in Brussels on Tuesday for a national demonstration against several austerity measures from the Belgian federal government.

The claims relate primarily to budget cuts in education and public services. The "Peeters law" which seeks to establish a working week of up to 45 hours against 38 currently was also at the heart of the claims. The absence of social dialogue is also denounced by Belgian unions.

"We have more than enough of the constant attacks of the government and employers that seek money and workers' rights," it said in a leaflet of the trade union front.

Prison officials on strike since April 25 were also present in the ranks of the demonstrators. Endit