Key facts
- Hundreds of students protested in Liège, Belgium, over education costs.
- Local media reported 107 arrests linked to property damage and arson.
- Students cited rising costs, overcrowded classrooms, and difficulty accessing study materials.
- Protests were inspired by demonstrations in France.
- Tuition fees for most students in Belgium's French-speaking Community increased to €1,194 ($1,280) from €835.
Hundreds of students took to the streets of Liège, Belgium, protesting rising education costs, overcrowded classrooms, and difficulties accessing study materials. Local media reported 107 arrests in recent days, linked to offenses including property damage and arson. The protests were partly inspired by educational unrest in neighboring France.
Students carried signs with slogans such as "It's a mess, we are fighting for a right! Not a privilege!" and "I chose education, not the hunger games!!". The unrest follows clashes between protesters and police in Brussels in June over education reforms, which included a tuition increase for most students in Belgium's French-speaking Community to €1,194 ($1,280) from €835.
Videos circulating on social media showed shattered glass, fires, and protesters in Liège, with police seen blocking roads and checking students for weapons. Some students told Reuters they were in contact with French counterparts facing similar issues. Liège Mayor Willy Demeyer expressed hope for a return to calm and for dialogue to be established so that young people's grievances could be heard peacefully.