Brussels and Paris in flames

BRUSSELS IN FLAMES: French riots spread to Belgium - HUNDREDS go on rampage at home of EU

BELGIAN police used water cannons and deployed tear gas in central Brussels to drive back protesters inspired by France's "yellow vest" anti-tax movement as demonstrators forced the European Commission headquarters into a temporary lockdown

the Express,

1 December, 2018

Hundreds of activists made Belgium’s political landmarks their target, marching between landmarks amid clouds of smoke from firecrackers and smoke bombs, as they were stalked by dozens of baton-wielding riot officers ready to pounce. Protesters descended on the European Commission’s Berlaymont headquarters, the heart of EU decision-making, as they created Belgium’s own ‘yellow jacket’ campaign against rising fuel prices and the cost of living. The EU Commission was forced to temporarily shut its doors as the building’s security guards refused to let anyone in or out while protesters marched passed.

A lone ‘yellow jacket’ remained stationed outside the bolted doors, insisting the Berlaymont was now “closed for the day”.

Another protester, who wanted to remain anonymous amid scenes of violence, told Express.co.uk: “We are protesting against the raising cost of petrol, living and high tax.

“It’s the same as France and Paris and maybe later on in Holland and maybe in England.”

At least two police vans were destroyed in what started as a peaceful but unauthorised demonstration descended into violence.

Police made dozens of arrests after protestors with their faces covered by masks or hoods tried to storm through police lines.

Brussels riots: Tear gas was fired at protestors after violence erupted (Image: REUTERS•EPA)

At least two police vans were destroyed in the protests (Image: JOE BARNES)

Belgium’s ‘yellow jacket’ movement are hoping to inspire similar scenes across Europe, with London a particular hotspot for potential violence.

They use social media to spread their message, and claim to have already had their Facebook event page shut down for the Brussels march.

Riot police came under attack by a small breakaway faction as they dispersed peaceful ‘yellow jackets’ away from the EU Commission’s headquarters.

A dozen youths, dressed in black hoodies without the high visibility jackets, launched rocks at the police who proceeded to give chase down a side street.

Dozens of protestors were arrested (Image: REUTERS)

Police used water cannons to disperse demonstrators (Image: GETTY IMAGES)

Shop owners ran to their doors amid fears they could become innocent victims of clashes between police and the mob.

Peaceful protesters continued on their march away from the Commission with their hands held aloft above their heads as they passed awaiting riot police.

Several hundred people eventually converged on the office of Prime Minister Charles Michel.

Crowds demanded the resignation of the PM as they chanted "Michel, resign!"

Mr Michel is a liberal ally of Macron, who voiced sympathy for people's troubles on Thursday. But he added: "Money doesn't fall from the sky."

His centre-right coalition faces an election in May.

The European Commission building was forced to temporarily shut its doors (Image: JOE BARNES)

Police said around 500 protestors took part in the demonstrations (Image: JOE BARNES)

A tweet from the Belgian leader said: "No impunity for unacceptable violence in Brussels. Those who came to smash and loot must be punished."

Protests in Belgium, notably around fuel depots in the French-speaking south, have been inspired by the yellow vest - or "gilet jaune" - actions in France.

The yellow vests staged demonstrations on the Champs-Élysées last week in protest at increases in fuel duty imposed by President Emmanuel Macron's government as part of efforts to reduce emissions causing global warming

Tear gas used on the streets 

of Paris

Just a day or two after the media in unison denounced America's use of tear gas on its border we see it used on the streets of Paris.

I shall wait for the liberal calls of protest and outrage. 

Breaking: Frédéric Lagache, sec. Gen. of #French#Police syndicate asked E. #Macron to declare the state of emergency and the intervention of the#military to counter an "urban insurgency".#gilletsjaune