Scuffles as Brussels antimigration rally draws thousands
BRUSSELS: Police deployed teargas and water cannon after scuff les broke out Sunday as thousands of people answered a call by far- right groups to reject a UN migration pact.
Police said some 5,500 people rallied in Brussels’ European quarter housing a number of EU institut ions. Some held aloft banners bearing slogans including “Our people first” and “We have had enough, close the borders.”
Police stepped in to disperse the crowd after projectiles and firecrackers were thrown, an AFP journalist on the scene reported. Some 90 people were detained, according to the Belga news agency.
M a ny m a r c h e r s w e r e supporters of the Vlaams Belang party, which opposes last week’s signing of the UN accord in the Moroccan city of Marrakesh.
The agreement is designed to frame an effective international approach to migration — a deeply divisive issue across Europe and beyond.
A counter- demonstration drew around 1,000 people to another Brussels district, according to police.
Belgian authorities initially banned both ral lies fearing unr e s t but the count r y’s supreme administrative court the Council of State overturned the decision.
More than 15 0 states last yesterday approved the pact, a Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration.
But NGOs have voiced doubts about its implementation both on the ground and the high seas.
Pope F rancis on Sunday voiced his suppor t for the ag reement and u rged the international community to show “responsibility, solidarity and compassion” in dealing with migrants.
The pont i f f s t ressed the pact was designed to secure “safe, ordered and regular migration.”
But its provisions are not legally binding and detractors warn it could might encourage uncontrolled people f lows.
In Belgium the issue has become a political hot potato.
Bel g i an P rime Mini ster Charles Michel was left leading a minority administration after the biggest party in his coalition — the Flemish nationalist NVA, which held four ministries — quit over the accord.
Some marchers cal led for Michel to resign at Sunday’s rally and a number of opposition parties have called for a vote of confidence in the government. — AFP