Massive protests filled Brussels on Tuesday as Belgium's largest unions called a national strike. Police used tear gas and arrested several demonstrators according to local reports. Brussels Airport canceled hundreds of flights and public transport halted across the city.
Thousands gathered in the Belgian capital to protest government spending cuts. Police estimated 80,000 participants while organizers claimed over 150,000 joined the demonstrations.
Why did police use tear gas? Officers responded to disturbances throughout the capital city. Authorities arrested several people for starting fires at Place de l'Yser and Boulevard de Dixmude in central Brussels. The blazes caused major traffic disruptions during morning rush hour.
The protests reflect growing European discontent with austerity measures. When unions call national strikes in Belgium, the country typically grinds to a complete halt. The scale of Tuesday's demonstrations shows how deeply the proposed cuts have angered working Belgians.