This week, budget discussions took place in the committees of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation. The WBF has an annual deficit of €1.2 billion. If we do not show budgetary responsibility today, the WBF's missions, starting with education, could be at risk tomorrow.
“We must stop separating the debate on our debt slippage from that on public spending! Getting our finances in order is essential to preserve the missions that matter to the community and avoid catastrophe for future generations” (Yves Evrard - Budget)
“The 2025 education budget means: €15.9 million invested in new policies against €15.1 million in savings. Calling this an austerity policy is inaccurate, even misleading. Enough with disinformation, slogans and caricatures!” (Clémentine Barzin - Education).
“The MR notes that this budget marks a break with the closed-envelope funding logic in higher education, favouring an approach based on real needs and demographic trends. This transition reflects an ability to adapt and a long-term vision needed to meet tomorrow's challenges in higher education. The MR calls this budget responsible and has no doubt it is merely a first step towards more ambitious ones that will ensure efficient and effective higher education.” (Valérie Bluge - Higher Education)
While education has received a lot of media attention, other policy areas are not being overlooked:
“Between 2013 and 2023, RTBF's basic grant rose from €211 million to €333 million, an increase of €122 million in 10 years. Under these circumstances, it would be incomprehensible for RTBF not to take part in the collective budgetary effort planned for the 2025 budget.”(Olivier Maroy - Media)
“The 2025 culture budget gives us the opportunity to consolidate our achievements while preparing for the future. Stabilising spending reflects a desire for continuity and caution in a complex budgetary context. This choice allows us to preserve what matters while maintaining strong commitments to cultural operators.” (Charles Gardier, Culture)
While some sectors must make savings, the youth assistance sector sees its budget increase despite the difficult context, notably to strengthen support services for foster care, create new places and implement new policies.
“The crisis in the sector, illustrated by various actions and demonstrations by staff in recent years, was heard by Ministers Glatigny and then Bertieaux, who were able to respond with additional resources, particularly to strengthen staffing standards. The MR group is pleased that this trend is being confirmed and supported.” (Valérie Bluge, Youth Assistance)
Early childhood care also sees increased resources to continue policies, notably the status of childminders, the reinforcement subsidy for management staff in nurseries, support for the exceptional rise in nursery operating costs, and the opening of new places under the Plan Cigogne.
“The early childhood sector has been in crisis for several years, with a glaring shortage of childcare places and carers, and rising costs for childcare facilities, which are sounding the alarm. The group welcomes this reasonable and necessary increased budget, but sees it as a major challenge for the government/minister in the years ahead” (Loubna Azghoud, Childhood)
In conclusion, this 2025 budget champions strict and responsible management of public funds; the first steps towards stabilising the deficit (within 5 years), aiming for a return to balance within 10 years. The courage to change so that the future is brighter: promise kept!