Violent protests break out in Brussels

Thousands of people clashed with police in Belgium during a large protest against government spending cuts.

Chaos erupted in Brussels today as thousands of people took to the streets to protest. The crowds were made up of both students and workers who are angry about the government’s spending plans, which are often called 'austerity' measures. What started as a march soon turned into a fight. People began clashing with police in different parts of the city. To try and control the situation, police used tough tactics. They fired tear gas—a chemical spray that stings the eyes and makes it hard to breathe—at the crowds. They also used water cannons to push back the protesters. The streets were fill…