Georges-Louis Bouchez was the only French-speaking party leader present at the debate organised by the automotive federation FEBIAC last Tuesday in the former departure hall of Zaventem airport. The Automotive eMotion Summit focused on developments and technological innovations in the sector. The MR relies heavily on technology to ensure affordable and sustainable mobility.
"Politics must not dictate to car manufacturers which engines they should develop," explained Georges-Louis Bouchez. "We must set targets to reduce CO2 emissions. But on the choice of technology, we must remain neutral and trust the engineers. We will not only drive electric in the coming years. Hybrid cars will continue to exist. Synthetic fuels will also arrive. And in certain cases, diesel will remain the most efficient, cheapest and least polluting option."
By 2050, our electricity consumption will increase by 50 to 100%. "It was the only right choice to keep our nuclear power plants open in combination with renewable energy. At the same time, the capacity of our electricity grid will need to be increased," added the MR President. And electric charging points? "The catching up must mainly happen in Brussels and Wallonia, where there are still far too few charging points. Does the state run petrol stations? No. So charging stations must also be organised by the private sector."
Taxes
The audience did not need to be convinced that mobility in Brussels is a disaster. A problem the MR has been denouncing from the opposition for 20 years. "It is not for nothing that companies like Deloitte and KPMG have magnificent offices at the airport and not in our capital. I would like to remind left-wing politicians in Brussels that 50% of Brussels' GDP is created by commuters. So we must make it easier for everyone to move around the region, with dynamic traffic signs for example. I am even willing to consider a kilometre charge, but only if all other taxes are abolished. So no more excise duties, registration tax or road tax in that case.