Clashes have broken out on Thursday at Place du Luxembourg in Brussels during a farmers’ protest, The Brussels Times reports.
A significant group of protesters gathered at the square opposite the European Parliament, despite the demonstration being initially announced near Gare du Nord. Around a hundred protesters were scattered across the area. Some confronted the police guarding the European Parliament. Protesters threw potatoes, beets, and small explosives at officers.
Fires and firecrackers filled the air as the protest reached its midday peak. Police responded with tear gas and a water cannon to restore order. Certain protesters also turned against members of the press present at the scene.
Vehicles have also flooded the square, causing damage to urban equipment and trees in the area. Masked individuals, unaffiliated with any agricultural federation, were also present at midday.
Several people have been arrested in connection with the riots around the European quarter in Brussels, the local police reported around 4.30 pm, without providing exact numbers.
Police reportedly used a water cannon against five tractors at around 9am on Thursday morning. Several tractor drivers had attempted to break through a police roadblock on Thursday morning.
Many streets and tunnels near the European institutions are completely closed off. When the farmers tried to force their way through, the water cannon was turned on. Throughout the day, more farmers and tractors are expected to arrive in the vicinity of Place du Luxembourg.
The atmosphere at Place du Luxembourg contrasts sharply with the rest of the region, where tractors are staging impromptu honking concerts.
