Unrest erupted across Belgium during New Year’s celebrations, with migrant youths blamed for riots, arson, and attacks on emergency services. Brussels bore the brunt of the chaos, where rioters torched Christmas trees, public bins, and vehicles, prompting firefighters to respond to 30 vehicle fires and 56 other blazes involving street furniture and rubbish bins.
Molotov cocktails and fireworks targeted police officers, injuring four and damaging several patrol vehicles. Authorities arrested 159 individuals, and over 5,500 fireworks were confiscated.
Brussels Secretary of State Ans Persoons condemned the violence, stating, “It is unacceptable that their safety is compromised while they are looking out for ours. There is no tolerance for such acts.” Sociologist Walter Weyns, however, remarked that such arson had become a “tradition” during the festivities.
Critics blamed longstanding policies for the unrest. Theo Francken of the N-VA Party linked the violence to “decades of socialism, mass migration, and a laissez-faire approach,” calling for federal intervention and stricter police engagement rules. Vlaams Belang’s Bob De Brabandere demanded zero tolerance for repeat offenders and accountability for parents, arguing, “It’s time to finally draw the right conclusions and translate them into policy actions.”
In Anderlecht, fewer incidents occurred compared to last year, though violence intensified. A camera crew was attacked, and stricter curfews for under-16s were enforced. Meanwhile, Antwerp saw similar unrest, with 49 arrests. Despite this, Antwerp Mayor Bart De Wever noted improvement, as 60% of those under house arrest complied with curfews, and incidents declined compared to previous years.
Efforts to counter the chaos included organized community events, such as a local mosque hosting activities like a FIFA tournament and free meals, which offered a peaceful alternative for youths. However, the unrest underscored growing tensions over migration, security, and integration policies in Belgium.
