Brussels, October 7

Trade unions today mobilised about 100,000 workers for the second time in a year to protest the free-market regulations and austerity measures that the centre-right government has been pushing through during its first year in office.

And just like in November, the end of the demonstration was marred by violence when a few hundred people confronted police and pelted them with rocks and bottles before authorities drove them back with tear gas and water cannons.

Police said more than 80,000 people joined today’s protest while trade union claimed 100,000 took part.

Belgium’s three main unions joined today behind a common platform, arguing that Prime Minister Charles Michel is promoting only big companies.