Tens of thousands protest in Brussels over austerity measures

The demonstration, organized by the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), could be the biggest one in Brussels in decades. The organizer expected 100,000 workers would participate, however, the exact number of participants will be announced after the protest.

The protest started at 1 p.m. local time (1200 GMT) at the Gare du Midi (south railway station). Workers headed for the Cinquantenaire Park near the European Union institutions, waving union flags and carrying banners saying "No to austerity," "No cuts" and "Priority for jobs and growth." The whole procession went peacefully and orderly.

At the Cinquantenaire Park, General Secretary of the ETUC John Monks delivered a speech, saying workers should not suffer consequences of the financial crisis that are caused by bankers and speculators.

As the unemployment rate is already high and the economy is in a recession, cutting spending is wrong, which would undermine the economic growth and the workers' rights, he said.

The protest occurred on the same day when the European Commission proposed tougher sanctions on euro zone countries that breach EU budget rules to avoid Greece-like debt crisis; Kazinform cites Xinhua.