The North Sea energy island project, launched under the previous legislature, had seen its cost explode from €2.2 to nearly €8 billion. A major financial overrun that would have directly weighed on the bills of consumers and businesses. For the Mouvement Réformateur, there was no question of letting such a ruinous project go unanswered.
As soon as he took office, the new Energy Minister, Mathieu Bihet, demanded a complete reassessment of the project, putting on the table requirements for good governance, budgetary transparency and the protection of purchasing power.
The result is clear: the most expensive component of the project, the direct current (DC) link, was suspended, delivering a direct saving of at least €3 billion. This is a concrete victory for citizens and a strong signal in favour of responsible management of public funds.
The MR remains in favour of developing offshore wind power, but not at any price. Our priority is to build an ambitious energy mix that respects the environment, economic sustainability and the purchasing power of Belgians.
Responsibility, results and budgetary discipline: this is the liberal method applied to energy.