He continues his campaigning in Flanders. This week, it was the entrepreneurs of Unizo West Flanders who wanted to hear Georges-Louis Bouchez speak at the HippoLoggia in Waregem. “Keep making your voice heard,” he encouraged them. “We have a unique opportunity to carry out reforms for the prosperity of our country. But we must not let it slip away.”
“Who would have dared to think, a year ago, that we would abolish unemployment benefits after two years?” asked the MR President. “This measure will have a swift impact, especially in Wallonia. It is also a signal to the younger generation. A genuine change in mindset has taken place. Those who are long-term unemployed will be given better individual support and activated through the CPAS. The CPAS is no longer a mister cash. That era is over.”
People who are long-term incapacitated for work will, to the extent of their abilities, have to return to work. Everyone will bear a responsibility and be held accountable: doctors who issue too many certificates, health insurance funds for whom illness is sometimes an economic model, the workers concerned, and companies.
Another crucial reform for businesses: greater competitiveness through taxation. “The government will reduce social contributions by one billion for lower-skilled jobs. For the highest salaries, there will be a cap on social contributions,” explains Bouchez. “And we are cutting labour costs by 5 billion.”
“Raising taxes to address the budget deficit is out of the question,” the Mons-based liberal reassured the audience. “The problem in our country is not a lack of revenue. There is too much spending. No less than 57% of our GDP.”
And the role of the state? “The government must stop interfering in every personal life choice. People must be responsible for their own decisions. It is not up to the state to step in and correct things every time. The policy of vouchers will come to an end. In reality, the state should have only four essential missions: providing equal opportunity through quality education, building and maintaining infrastructure, guaranteeing security, and ensuring a social safety net for those who truly need it.”
Applause from all sides.
And many questions from the audience. Even for a Flemish MR.
Another TV interview with students from the West Flanders University College (HOWEST).
Plenty of informal chats, with a view of the Waregem racecourse and the setting sun.
Handshakes. Selfies with a few enthusiastic Flemish fans.
Georges-Louis Bouchez was once again warmly welcomed in our westernmost province.
His next appointment with Unizo is scheduled for autumn in East Flanders.