Ahead of the budget conclave, Deputy Prime Minister David Clarinval presented the MR's vision and priorities for durably restoring our country's public finances.
Belgium's budgetary situation is difficult. We are backed into a corner, and this situation calls for responsibility and political courage. We must take the necessary decisions to halt the downward spiral our country risks sinking into.
For the MR, the answer cannot be another tax hike. The solution is reform.
This is, after all, the DNA of this government. The coalition agreement contains numerous reforms that we must continue and fully implement. It is through these reforms that we will be able to durably reduce our spending, strengthen our economy and put our country back on a sustainable path.
To reach the target of €10 billion in savings by 2029 at federal level, our approach is pragmatic:
- €4 billion from decisions that have already been taken, but whose measures have not yet been implemented;
- €1.5 billion thanks to a genuine growth plan;
- €4.5 billion through a reduction in spending.
The heart of the problem is our runaway spending. That is where we need to act first.
Belgium is already among the European countries with the highest tax burden. We have reached the limit.
The MR will therefore be particularly watchful that budgetary choices do not translate into new attacks on citizens' purchasing power and on the competitiveness of our businesses.
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