riot police in Brussels
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Belgian protesters clash with police over pensions and pay

Riot police have fired tear gas and water cannon during clashes with demonstrators as at least 100,000 people marched through Brussels in the first mass protests against government austerity measures.

Protesters overturned cars and threw paving stones and fireworks during the protest against economic reforms that will extend the pension age, contain wages and cut public services.

The government says the austerity measures are essential to keep the budget deficit within European Union constraints.

  • 06 Nov 2014
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