As industrial action resumed in schools on Monday and a peaceful demonstration against alleged police violence was scheduled in Brussels later in the day, Francophone Education Minister Valérie Glatigny (MR) said she wants to "rebuild trust" with teachers and students.
Speaking on BX1, Glatigny said the French Community Government would increase meetings with education stakeholders to explain the reforms and restore dialogue.
"We are going to multiply meetings, including with young people, to explain what we have done and why we have done it," she said.
"We need to stop burying our heads in the sand. We must regain the ability to invest in education."
The minister acknowledged that planned savings measures are unpopular but argued they are necessary to safeguard the long-term financial sustainability of the education system.
"It pleases nobody to make cuts, but we no longer have a choice. We want to ensure we can continue paying salaries in 2029 and 2030," she said.
Glatigny, nevertheless, indicated that discussions remain possible ahead of the next academic year and pointed to previously announced flexibility measures aimed at protecting temporary teaching positions for one year.
"We will closely monitor the situation to ensure there is no loss of employment among temporary and priority temporary teachers," she added.
Asked about the violence that accompanied recent demonstrations, Glatigny distanced herself from proposals put forward by Defence Minister Theo Francken (N-VA) and MR president Georges-Louis Bouchez to send young rioters to military discipline camps.
"I'm not sure the army is the answer," she said, arguing that youth assistance structures already exist.
Brussels mayor defends police response
The unrest was also addressed by Brussels Mayor Philippe Close (PS) during interviews with BX1 and RTBF.
"Every time a demonstration turns violent, it is a failure. I accept that responsibility," Close said.
"From the beginning there was vandalism, so yes, we had to intervene, even if I understand that the measures deployed appeared significant."
Close was also questioned about footage circulating online, including images allegedly showing a police officer displaying a prohibited symbol and making homophobic remarks.
The mayor cautioned that the material had not yet been fully verified.
"When people end up confronting the police, it is often because society has failed to provide an answer," he said.
"My responsibility is to strike a balance between allowing people to express themselves and maintaining public order."
Close said a detailed review of the events was now required and pledged disciplinary action if misconduct is confirmed.
"Public order is difficult work. Today we need to analyse the footage calmly, methodically and with determination," he said.
"If the investigation requested by the City shows there were abuses, there will be sanctions, potentially including dismissal."
Close concluded by stressing that the vast majority of protesters and police officers act responsibly.
"I am convinced that the overwhelming majority of people know how to express their anger with dignity and that the overwhelming majority of police officers do their job properly."
