Youth protests in Europe: clashes in Brussels and a peaceful march in Vienna

Clashes on the streets of Brussels

The youth protest movement, which has spread to several European cities, took on different characteristics depending on the location. According to the publication Bild, the situation in the Belgian capital escalated into an open conflict between demonstrators and law enforcement officers.

Hundreds of young people, mostly dressed in black, attacked police, throwing wooden beams, bottles, and trash bins at them. In response, security forces deployed tear gas and water cannons. In the square near the railway station, protesters set fire to bicycles, resulting in thick smoke rising over the city centre.

Demands regarding education policy

The main reasons for young people taking to the streets were protests against the reduction of state spending on education and plans to increase tuition fees. It is noted that similar slogans were heard during similar actions in France.

Peaceful demonstration in Vienna

In contrast to Brussels, the schoolchildren's action in the Austrian capital passed without incidents. March participants carried flags with the hammer and sickle. Their main demand concerned the issue of Muslim headscarves: protesters demanded that their wearing in schools not be banned.

Expansion of the movement in Germany

Meanwhile, active dissemination of calls to join the youth protests is being observed on German social media.