(MENAFN) Police in Brussels used water cannons and tear gas to break up large-scale demonstrations against the government’s proposed cuts to social welfare programs, according to reports.

Belgium’s three largest labor unions organized the protest and called a nationwide general strike on Tuesday in response to Prime Minister Bart de Wever’s austerity plan, which includes raising the retirement age and reducing social benefits.

Union representatives told local outlets that as many as 120,000 demonstrators joined the march, though police placed the turnout closer to 80,000.

Footage from the scene showed protesters confronting law enforcement officers, setting off fireworks, and waving flags and placards. Riot police responded with tear gas and water cannons to push back the crowd.

Gert Truyens, president of the CGSLB union, told reporters that the rally was cut short after a small group of participants turned violent. “These aren’t protesters, but people running amok,” he said, according to local media.

The general strike disrupted major public transport networks throughout the day and temporarily halted departures from Brussels’ main airport.

Prime Minister De Wever, who took office in February, has defended his proposed spending cuts as necessary steps to address Belgium’s mounting budget deficit.

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